Any suggestions would be helpful

**homesteadmamma** · 02-22-2004, 09:45 PM

Ds#1 is autistic, although high functioning. He is doing grade 8 and has been very successful with his math, but we have now gotten into the more advanced math - algebra. He simply can't comprehend it and I'm sure won't ever be able to. I think he has reached his limit as to how difficult math can be for him.

Do any of you have a suggestion as to what math we can now turn to that doesn't have algebra.

**Guest1** · 02-22-2004, 09:51 PM

CJ, have you tried any type of consumer math?? Checkbook or grocery math?? Unfortunately, (as usual) my brain is completely fried and I can't pull any names of the top of my head.....let me poke around in my Rainbow Resource catalog & get back with you.....

**guest2** · 02-22-2004, 09:52 PM

CJ, I think now would be a good time to go with Consumer math. It teaches the practical everyday math skills that people need like how to balance a checkbook, compare prices, things like that. We have a friend who is an adult with autism and this is something that has really helped him.

**dz_blonde_girl** · 02-22-2004, 09:58 PM

There is a system for learning math that uses colored tiles, almost like lego blocks. It's very visual. I wish I could think of the name of it. I wonder if he could visualize or touch the numbers, if it woould make it easier.

**guest2** · 02-22-2004, 09:59 PM

Hehehehehehe! Debbie (BB) and I posted at the same time. Great minds think alike!

**Guest1** · 02-22-2004, 10:04 PM

Originally posted by hmsclmom
Hehehehehehe! Debbie (BB) and I posted at the same time. Great minds think alike!

It's that BubbleWrap Bond!!

sssshhhhhhhh ~ don't tell CJ I've snuck back in!! I'm off to finish looking through the catalog now!!

**mrscornbread** · 02-22-2004, 10:18 PM

I would agree that teaching him the lifeskills necessary to understand the world around him seems to be most apprepriate. It often makes more sense when we can comprehend why we are learning certain things, trips to a bank, grocery store and places like that could help him to comprehend on a deeper level as well, it wouldn't hurt the others either!

**homesteadmamma** · 02-23-2004, 09:18 AM

Thanks ladies, thats what I was thinking of, but wasn't sure.

Okay, does anyone have a good one to go to? I know there are a few out there, but I would like suggestions. I want the best if possible.

**guest2** · 02-23-2004, 09:39 AM

CJ, I have never used any of the programs out there for consumer math. I've always designed my own for the kids. The bank was really generous and gave me extra check registers when I asked for them so I have the kids keep track of their savings accounts and the interest earned. As for food shopping, I taught the boys how to compare prices using the unit price tags on the shelf and how to do it themselves if the tags were missing. They help me shop and try to find the best deal. We also keep a running tally at the grocery store so we know how much we are spending. We've taught them how to sit down and pay bills, budgeting for them. They frequently write out the checks for me and I sign them. Cooking has also helped them with their math skills. I have them figure out how to double and triple recipes and then make them. They are also learning the equivalencies of how many teaspoons make a tablespoon and such. Hope this helps!