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Accommodating Autism After School Mary Roth, Lead Ally

Accommodating Autism After School Mary Roth, Lead Ally. When you hear the word “autism”…. what do you think about? Rain Man? Child in corner, rocking, banging his head?. But do you also think about…. Albert Einstein? Mozart? Bill Gates? Temple Grandin?. Dr. Temple Grandin.

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Accommodating Autism After School Mary Roth, Lead Ally

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  1. Accommodating Autism After SchoolMary Roth, Lead Ally Autism Society of Indiana www.inautism.org

  2. When you hear the word “autism”… what do you think about? Rain Man? Child in corner, rocking, banging his head? Autism Society of Indiana www.inautism.org

  3. But do you also think about… • Albert Einstein? • Mozart? • Bill Gates? • Temple Grandin? Autism Society of Indiana www.inautism.org

  4. Dr. Temple Grandin Autism Society of Indiana www.inautism.org

  5. What is Autism? • Characterized by three things: • deficits in communication and social skills, as well as unusual behaviors • Neurological Disorder (not mental) • Lifelong Disorder (not simply childhood) • No known cause • No known cure Autism Society of Indiana www.inautism.org

  6. Autism does not discriminate • Any socio-economic background • Either gender (but boys are • diagnosed ~4:1 more than girls) • Any race / religion • You can not visually tell if • someone has autism Autism Society of Indiana www.inautism.org

  7. Autism Society of Indiana www.inautism.org

  8. Autism is a Spectrum Disorder Autism Society of Indiana www.inautism.org

  9. Communication • Delayed response time • Acting as if they cannot hear • Echolalia – repeating what they hear • Nonverbal • Inability to understand idioms or slang • Receptive or expressive speech issues Autism Society of Indiana www.inautism.org

  10. Social Skills • Little to no eye contact • Inability to read facial expressions or verbal emotions • Difficulty with social situations • Poor conversation skills Autism Society of Indiana www.inautism.org

  11. Behavior • Insistence on sameness, difficulty in transitioning • Stimming (spinning, flapping, rocking) • Other repetitive movements or speech • Sensory issues • Perceived aloofness – prefers to be alone • Perseveration on a particular topic (Asperger’s) • Visual learners Autism Society of Indiana www.inautism.org

  12. Other Health Issues • Intellectual impairment (~70% of cases) • Seizures (~40% of cases) • Sleeping issues • Eating issues • Ear infections • Respiratory issues • Allergies • Dual diagnosis with a mental health illness Autism Society of Indiana www.inautism.org

  13. Challenges for Individuals • Don’t “fit in” • People think they’re “weird” • No friends • No romantic relationships • Difficulty in finding and sustaining employment • Difficulty with self-help skills • Daily living tasks do not come naturally Autism Society of Indiana www.inautism.org

  14. Challenges for Families • Parents blame themselves • Society blames parents • Grandparents don’t understand • Siblings feel left out, carted around, responsible • Financial burden • Stress on marriage • Embarrassed – don’t want to tell anyone Autism Society of Indiana www.inautism.org

  15. Challenges for Public Educators • Behaviors can be challenging but must be addressed • Learning must take place in the least restrictive environment (with support) • Article 7 – Indiana’s Special Education Law – provides for an Individual Education Plan for every special needs student • Parents are emotionally invested - success in school is extremely important for future success Autism Society of Indiana www.inautism.org

  16. Challenges for After School Providers • Obligation to make “reasonable accommodations” • Staffing • May be no formal support system or training • (call Autism Society of Indiana!) • Parent needs and expectations Autism Society of Indiana www.inautism.org

  17. Challenges during Emergencies • People with autism may not self-identify • First Responders are called in under times of additional physical and/or emotional stress • Sirens, strobe lights, or crowds may trigger a negative sensory response • Rooms may be equipped with extra security and window locks • Restraint must be done extremely carefully in case the individual has positional asphyxia Autism Society of Indiana www.inautism.org

  18. Interventions and Treatments • Therapy – Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Occupational, Physical, Speech, Sensory, Hippo • Psychotherapy • Social skills classes, Lunch Buddies, eBuddies, Social Stories™, Video Self-Modeling • Educational, social, and behavioral accommodations • Biomedical interventions • Alternative interventions Autism Society of Indiana www.inautism.org

  19. Inclusion Process - After School Program • Parent application • Observe child if possible • Consult with classroom teacher if possible • Obligation to provide “reasonable accommodations” • Have supports in place the first day • Be flexible if necessary Autism Society of Indiana www.inautism.org

  20. Application Ideas – After School Program • Assure confidentiality and discretion • Ask for pertinent information about the students' needs. Ask for what accommodations they receive in school. • Remember that the diagnosis is not as important as what the parent feels they need • Ask about special dietary needs • Educate and train service providers (we can help!) Autism Society of Indiana www.inautism.org

  21. Social Accommodations • Explain changes in routine • Preview transitions • Support during group activities – help the student find a buddy or team. Two kids with Asperger’s Syndrome don’t always make a good team. •  Encourage other students to be kind Autism Society of Indiana www.inautism.org

  22. Educational Accommodations • Preferential seating • Visual learning - show them how to do something, don't just tell them • Small group instruction • Check for understanding, avoid ending with “OK?” • Wait for responses Autism Society of Indiana www.inautism.org

  23. Interacting with Someone with Autism • Plenty of personal space • Don’t insist on eye contact • Don’t try to stop repetitive movements • Use a flat tone with little emotion • Ask “Yes” or “No” questions • Use simple phrases, avoid slang or idioms • Avoid or ending with “OK?” • Wait for responses Autism Society of Indiana www.inautism.org

  24. Behavioral Accommodations • Establish a “safe” place • Select 3-5 key behaviors to address • Safe hands and feet • Listening • Kind words • Reward system • Higher staff ratio or even 1:1 aide • Visual supports Autism Society of Indiana www.inautism.org

  25. Visual Supports • Many kids with autism are visual learners! • Timers • Picture or Written Schedule • Written Instructions/Expectations • Maps or Diagrams • Visual Cues or Reminders • Behavior Chart with Stickers • Social Stories™– Carol Gray • Video Self-Modeling – Scott Bellini Autism Society of Indiana www.inautism.org

  26. Visual Timer Devices Autism Society of Indiana www.inautism.org

  27. Behavior Modulation Autism Society of Indiana www.inautism.org

  28. The Incredible 5 Point Scale Dunn & Curtis Autism Society of Indiana www.inautism.org

  29. The Incredible 5 Point Scale Autism Society of Indiana www.inautism.org

  30. Customized Visual Supports • First… Then Board • First… Then… Next Board • Visual Schedule • Countdown Board • Your turn… My turn • Supports to carry around • Feedback log • Social Stories™ Autism Society of Indiana www.inautism.org

  31. How to Get Visual Supports • Special Education Teacher • Autism Team Leader for the School District • Indiana Resource Center for Autism • (812) 855-6508 • Easter Seals Crossroads • Autism Family Resource Center • 317-466-1000 • HANDS in Autism Learning Lab • 317-274-2675 Autism Society of Indiana www.inautism.org

  32. First… Then Board First snack, Then game First game, Then home Autism Society of Indiana www.inautism.org

  33. First… Then… Next Board First snack, Then game, Next home Autism Society of Indiana www.inautism.org

  34. Visual Schedule • Snack • Games • Work • Club • Home Autism Society of Indiana www.inautism.org

  35. Countdown Board Do 5 math problems, then time for coloring Autism Society of Indiana www.inautism.org

  36. Your Turn, My Turn Games or Conversation Autism Society of Indiana www.inautism.org

  37. Supports to carry around Behavior reminders Emotion cards Rewards I want… Autism Society of Indiana www.inautism.org

  38. Feedback Log Completed by student or helper Self-awareness Useful communication to home Autism Society of Indiana www.inautism.org

  39. Reward Charts Insert you body text or main points here Autism Society of Indiana www.inautism.org

  40. Social Stories TM • Customized for the child’s needs • Text and pictures • True statement • Try statement • Why statement Autism Society of Indiana www.inautism.org

  41. Social StoryTM Example • After my school day is over, I go to an after school program. • It’s fun! I play games, make friends, and do my homework. • When I play games, it’s important to take turns nicely. Then kids will want to play with me again. • When I talk with adults at after school activities, it’s important to be respectful. • I need to treat the equipment carefully so it’s always there for the next day. • My friends at after school program like it when I ask how they are doing. • At the end of the day, I go home with my family. • I can have fun at home because my homework is done! Autism Society of Indiana www.inautism.org

  42. Getting Help with Social Stories • www.thegraycenter.org • Books by Carol Gray • Special Education Teacher • Autism Team Leader for the School District • Indiana Resource Center for Autism • (812) 855-6508 Autism Society of Indiana www.inautism.org

  43. Lending Libraries • Easter Seals Crossroads • Autism Family Resource Center • 317-466-1000 • CeDIR Library at IU Bloomington • (800) 437-7924 • Indiana Youth Institute Library • (800) 343-7060 Autism Society of Indiana www.inautism.org

  44. If All Else Fails… • Try physical exertion – carrying or pushing heavy objects (recycling bin, stack of books, jug of water) • Extra privileges for cooperation or if a break is needed – running errands, distributing mail • Ask the parent! • Remember to maintain privacy Autism Society of Indiana www.inautism.org

  45. Autism Society of Indiana • Support all people affected by Autism in Indiana • Conferences, Workshops, Trainings • Support Groups in several cities throughout Indiana • Indiana Allies • Indiana Comprehensive State Plan for Individuals with ASDs • Insurance • Family and Professional Partnerships • Community Resources • Screening • Access to Services • Transition • Indiana Partners in Justice Autism Society of Indiana www.inautism.org

  46. Ongoing Activities • Annual Autism Expo (Carmel and Evansville) • March 24 at The Fountains in Carmel • April 21 at The Centre in Evansville • Autism Awareness Month (April) activities • Autism Resource Network of Indiana (ARNI) www.arnionline.org • Facilitate the IIACC – Interagency Coordinating Council • Attend Autism Commission meetings Autism Society of Indiana www.inautism.org

  47. What can YOU do? • Understand • Care • Ask if you can help • Support autism-related organizations • Talk about it – help reduce the stigma • Encourage • Hire Autism Society of Indiana www.inautism.org

  48. Autism Society of Indiana 13295 Illinois Street, Suite 213 Carmel, IN 46032 (800) 609-8449 www.inautism.org www.ARNIonline.org Autism Society of Indiana www.inautism.org

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