Has Anyone Started A P.T.O. (Parent-Teacher Organization) At Their Child's Autism School?
Has Anyone Started A P.T.O. (Parent-Teacher Organization) At Their Child's Autism School?
I am going to start, or try to start a Parent-Teacher Organization at my child's school for Autism (and Children with Behavioral Needs). I was wondering:
1. If anyone had successfully started a PTO at their child's Autistic (or Special Needs) school.
2. How they got parent's involved.
I opened a Facebook group called Autism Support Group of Central WI. Which is very general since this is a huge area. People started getting in. I started posting info about autism a lot. When I took my child to his therapy I approached parents, and I also approached parent @ the school. I become a stocker. Hahahaaaaa.... I met some Moms. We started doing play-dates for the children. And one day I invited everyone to my house for a BBQ. Then, I made them to sign to start a monthly meeting. I selected the Public Library because it's free. I started invitating therapists, parents w/older children in the spectrum, advocates, etc to come to talk to us. For them is attractive to do those speeches because they gain clients. There are some moms who are really good on gluten-free, some time they come to talk about diets, recipes, and bring some snacks. This year things really exploded. Everybody wants to be envolve & since I'm moving out this town I passed the group to 2 other Moms just last month. It took me around 2 1/2 years to get the support group running continuously.
@A MyAutismTeam Member how did you start thesulport group? How did you get intouch with the other parents?
A MyAutis...
I have never started a PTO, but I started the Autism Support Group in my town 2 year ago. Since I don't have the support of the school it was a little difficult @ the beginning because I have to approach parents by myself. The 1st meeting it was just 3 people. Then, I decided to do a BBQ & people came. I made them to sign for the group support. Then, people were telling other parents about it. I created a facebook page in which we post info & talk. And I also created an email just for the group. I started invitating guest speaker, like therapists, other parents w/older children, & adults w/disabilities. So people started coming more. Last year, I enlisted 2 more Moms as a group coordinator & this year has been fantastic.
