Special Education

Reflection: Looking for Clues

When reading the following cases, consider:

Wendy

Wendy is a quiet, mildly overweight 16-year-old who struggles to maintain passing grades. Although she does not participate in a lot of extracurricular activities, she does spend her lunch time with her steady boyfriend and a couple of close friends. Recently, she joined Weight Watchers with her mother, pledging to lose 10 pounds by the summer, and has taken up jogging with her friends at lunch.

Todd

Todd is an outgoing 15-year-old boy who is chronically overweight. His parents, who are also overweight, are very sociable and participate in many school and community activities. Todd is on the basketball and soccer teams as well as Student’s Council. He does not present any behavioural problems in class.

Michelle

Michelle is a quiet, hardworking 12-year-old in an enrichment class. Her parents are both working professionals who recently divorced. Although Michelle has always had a small build, she seems to be getting thinner. You have noticed that her lunch usually consists of a diet bar with some carrot or celery sticks. Michelle rarely joins the other students at lunch, preferring to stay at her desk to “get a head start” on her homework.

Kathleen

Kathleen is a popular 17-year-old honour student. As well as being student body president, she is also a senior member of the cheerleading team and takes a modelling course in her free time. Lately, her attention seems to be lacking, and she often appears tired and irritable in class. Although her weight appears normal, she frequently talks about dieting and complains that she is too fat. You have noticed that she often sneaks a snack during class and she becomes visibly embarrassed when she realizes that you are aware of her snacking.

Dale

Dale is a quiet 14-year-old boy who is never a problem in class. He favours a “punk” hairstyle, with colours that can change from day to day. He usually wears several layers of loose fitting shirts and jackets, although he is clearly very thin underneath it all. Dale is interested in art, and often produces work depicting scenes of violence or death. You have noticed that he usually eats his lunch by himself, quietly tucking himself away in a corner somewhere to read a muscle magazine.

Reflection Check: Interpreting the Clues

All of these students are exhibiting some of the indicators discussed in this chapter.

Wendy’s behaviour, on the whole, does not seem too distressing, although she could be at the very early stages of developing a problem. Todd may have a physiological or other problem, but he does not seem to display the characteristics of an eating disorder. Michelle, Kathleen and Dale are all showing serious warning signs.

In every case, teachers should take the time to document any concerns they have, and forward those concerns to both the school’s administrative officer and counsellor.

Three steps to identifying and referring at-risk students: Keep clear records. Share information with colleagues. Develop ongoing support strategies.