r/Teachers•
Jmt697

How should I handle this? LONG

Teacher Support &/or Advice

I’m a preschool teacher and I really need some advice because I feel like I’m failing this student and the rest of my class.

About two months ago, a new student was placed in my room. He displays every major red flag of autism: constant hand-flapping, tippy-toe walking, eloping from the classroom, climbing furniture, undressing, grinding his teeth, and extremely limited language (I’ve only heard “no” and “uh-oh”). He hits and pushes peers and staff, throws anything he can reach, and does not engage with toys. The only thing he’s interested in is watching toys roll, but even then he loses interest or throws them.

He needs 1:1 support every second. If I look away for even a moment, he’s climbing something, taking off his clothes, or hitting another child. I also have multiple young students who need support, and I feel like I can’t give them what they deserve because this one child requires total supervision. It’s unsafe for him and unsafe for the rest of my class.

His fine-motor skills are extremely delayed and he cannot complete basic tasks without full hand-over-hand assistance.

Both parents refuse any kind of evaluation or support. They insist he talks in full sentences at home and that nothing is wrong. However, one parent let it slip that he previously received OT and speech services through a hospital, none of which was disclosed to the school.

My director and our school psychologist are aware. The psychologist actually spoke up on my behalf to bring this situation to higher-ups, because my director has ignored multiple emails about this child. She has done nothing to support the situation or provide resources, and I feel completely stuck.

We’ve tried everything we can in the classroom, but his behavior is escalating. He often comes in with a backpack and jacket strongly smelling of marijuana and a sippy cup filled with Kool-Aid.

I am exhausted, worried for the safety of my class, and unsure what to do next when the parents are in denial and admin is unresponsive. Has anyone dealt with something like this? What strategies, documentation tips, or steps helped move things forward when parents refused services?

Posted Dec 3, 2025, 1:31 AM UTC

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