You Me and Autism

OCTOBER 5, 2015 · LEAVE A COMMENT · EDIT

My name is Kassi Bogolin.  I have a B.S. in Elementary Education from Truman State University.  I taught first and second grade for 9 years.  Before that I was a teacher’s aide at the same district.   Then I made a career and life changing decision to become a stay at home mom.  It was the best thing I ever did for myself and my family…not so much for a career as a teacher.  Once I was ready to go back to teaching, I was never able to get back into a school district within a reasonable distance from my house.  I took a job as a test administrator for new employees.  Then I worked as a Principal’s Secretary for several years and finally ended up at a facility for children with ASD.

I really didn’t know that much about Autism when I started but quickly fell in love with the kids that were there.  I decided to start doing as much research as I could and bought this laptop I am writing on now to sit on the couch and read.  I read and read and read.  I am still reading and learning to this day.  I have stopped reading novels and basically only read about autism.  I guess you could say I have become obsessed with learning about how to help children and their families.

I became interested in alternative programs that enhance the development of social skills in ASD children.  I have now acquired training in PEC’s, DIR Floortime, and Relationship Development Intervention.  Currently, I have a Graduate Certificate in Autism, another one in Trauma and my Master’s Degree in Special Education.  I have also completed a Master’s Degree in Administration.  Why?  I have no idea.  I have been teaching Special Education in a public school district where I incorporate as much social learning as I can.

My philosophy has always been that “all children are gifted”.  After working with ASD children, I continue to believe in my idea.  There are great minds waiting to be opened.  I do not believe that skills are the only thing that ASD individuals will need to navigate the world.  I will expand on that theory in future blogs.

For now…this is who I am and I will continue to stretch myself to learn what I can to change the future of my ASD kids.

Kassi