Dealing with Deaf Children

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Yes, that's right. I have trouble dealing with deaf children.

I commute to and sometimes from school with deaf schoolchildren. They make excessive and cacophonous noises during the ride, which takes around one to two hours, depending on the traffic. Yes, I've tried listening to music, but the bus driver scolds me for blasting my music. (In particular, Breaking Benjamin and Avenged Sevenfold mp3s at 320 kbps. (I like all of my music at 320 kbps.))

When they sign, they usually bang on their seats really loud. It is probably for emphasis in ASL, but if you can't yell on the bus, you can't sign with great force, either.

Whenever they look at me, I usually stick my middle finger out at them, and then this kindergartener says that the sign is derogatory. (Like I didn't know!)

Can switching to Geico really save you 15% or more on car insurance? Did this preschooler take too long to say goodbye? Yes, she did! She waves goodbye to every single person on the bus, right in front of each and every one at about 10 seconds per person, and I tell her to scram.

I refuse to converse these kids from the Black Lagoon. It's been suggested, but, man, do I have a lot to learn! (I know only how to fingerspell.) And yes, I've talked about it with the driver, and surprisingly, contrary to what I thought, she actually asked what I wanted her to do. (None of other drivers I've been with have given a rip about my Asperger's, but it was only because I told her and described the symptoms.)

Man, I have a lot to say, don't I? I do not mean to be offensive, but that's what I really feel about them.

One thing to keep in mind is the fact that they don't know that they are making noise. Many of them have no concept of noise or quiet. It is like getting a man blind from birth to point out the color blue or describe it. Our repetitive motions tend to be annoying to NT's yet we don't see how they bother people.

I don't think it would be out of line to ask them to quiet down. You can explain how the noise affects you and ask them politely to tone it down. As it has been said, they may not be aware of their auditory impact. Though, your approach probably needs to be altered a bit (why should they care about the condition of someone who flips them off). As for communication, learning sign language isn't likely a necessity, you could also communicate through writing.

How do you get them to tone it down when they have no concept of sound in the first place?

Its quite simple really just tap them on the shoulder and put your hands over your ears signalling that they should keep it down many things could be said to them through simple actions i guess the simplest is the middle finger that always seem to have a good effect I know the sign for i want to go to the toilet in sign language its a bit like shining an apple on your torso its the same kind of gesture only without and apple. Although if they do it in the wrong place i guess that could also mean they want a w*k

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I'm sure it's very upsetting for you when people are not understanding about your issues due to the AS. But, and I don't mean this in any incendiary manner, I find myself wondering, if I were deaf, why should I be sympathetic to your problems and accommodate your needs if you are not to mine?

I used to be a rather forgiving person. I would continue to give those who were rude or hostile to me the benefit of the doubt, and I would continue to make an effort to afford those who were disrespectful to me, a level of respect I should not have.

When I encounter people like that now days though, I find myself asking, why should I make accommodations for these people who clearly do not have the same consideration for me? Can you think of a good reason? I can't.

You have given these kids every reason not to make accommodations and be considerate of your needs.

The least you could do to begin to rectify the situation is not give them the finger. I suggest you use headphones on the bus.

I'm Deaf. I sometimes hit things to get other deaf people's attention... it's a common way to do so because you can get a person's attention even when their back is turned or they are farther away. Also, some noises are naturally a part of sign language because sign language is not just a bunch of hand movements but there are other manual components to it that are formed on the mouth and face.