articles

The “Get To KNOW Me” Form for Back To School

Giving Your Special Needs Child a Voice

By Carissa Garabedian, Publisher of Know Different and Macaroni Kid Richmond August 29, 2018

Last school year I started a “Get To KNOW Me” form for back to school time for our son with special needs.

I decided that I stress too much at the start of each school year when it comes to our son not being able to share the details that really matter in the day in/ day out happenings. I added some cool facts about him so the staff can get a sense of who he is, what he likes, and how to engage him during the academic year.

The feedback was great! It was used by teachers, administration, and other staff. We all found it to be a great way to start conversations, as well as to give the faculty an idea of what things may mean if our son does things to the beat of his own drum.

I am including the finished product here for you to see. If you have any interest in creating one for yourself and would like a template, we can send one over to you as well, if you contact us at knowdifferent.net by emailing Carissa.

Wish us luck as we enter the world of 8th grade. Middle school is a tough place to be without Autism. Together, we can do this!


Carissa Garabedian is the publisher of Know Different and mother to a special needs child in Richmond, Virginia. Carissa also publishes the award-winning Macaroni Kid of Richmond.