Working with Children with Autism

1. Working with Children with Autism Presented by Pam Cheek August 2006

2. What is Autism? A brain disorder that impacts communication, social interaction, & behavior Often referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Includes classic autism, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), & Asperger�s Syndrome Often have difficulty understanding verbal and nonverbal communication & learning appropriate ways of relating to other people, objects, and events

3. What Causes Autism? First identified in 1943 No one knows the cause of ASD Possible causes: Genetic component Physical problem affecting parts of brain that process language & information Chemical imbalance in the brain Environmental triggers Children are born with ASD or potential to develop it

4. How is Autism Treated? No cure Can improve and develop skills to participate in community w/individualized education & support Studies show children respond well to a highly structured, specialized education program tailored to meet their needs

5. Signs of Autism Severe language deficits or differences Talk about or show interest in a restricted range of topics Not point at objects to show interest Not look at objects Have trouble relating to others Avoid eye contact and prefer to be alone Have trouble understanding feelings

6. Signs of Autism Prefer not to be held or cuddled Appear to be unaware when other people talk Repeat or echo words or phrases said to them Have difficulty expressing their needs Laugh, cry, or show distress for no apparent reason

7. Signs of Autism Repeat actions over and over again Have difficulty when a routine changes Have unusual reactions to the way things smell, taste, look, feel or sound Be oversensitive or under-sensitive to pain Lose skills they once had (for example, stop saying words they once used)

8. Strategies Strategies for Teaching Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

9. Highly Structured Visual Teaching Main elements include daily schedules, individual work systems, & classroom arrangement Makes the environment predictable Reduces the student�s stress, confusion, anxiety, and behavior problems Builds on student�s strengths a desire for routine, organization, comfort with repetitive tasks, need to finish, visual learning styles Leads toward independence

10. Teach the Meaning & Value of a Schedule Use daily schedules & lists to assist in sequencing of activities & to ease transitions Use a variety of visual cues (objects, photos, words, check lists) Individualize to the student�s developmental level & skills Determine the length of the schedule based on the student�s skill level Independence is the goal

11. Develop Work Systems Geared to the Student�s Level Work systems need clear visual cues that the student can understand What work? How much work? How does the student know when the work is finished? What comes next?

12. Develop Work Systems Geared to the Student�s Level Once the student understands the basic framework, individual tasks can be varied Gear activities so they end before the student becomes frustrated

13. Consider Location, Distractions & Boundaries Hallway sounds, ringing telephones, visual distractions & smells can interfere with concentration Furniture & materials should be clearly organized Locate the student near or facing the teacher Place the student between two model students in large groups Use visual barriers

14. Behavior is Communication Write behavior rules for the child to read as necessary Use social stories to model appropriate behavior Positive rewards work better than punishment Student needs a method of communication to let you know when something is �not right� within the system

15. Behavior is Communication You need a method to let the student know there will be a change in the daily routine or schedule, or if something needs to be interrupted before it is finished Pay attention to likes, dislikes and interests � use their strengths

16. Working with Children with ASD Enjoy the special gifts and talents these children bring to your classroom!