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It Doesn't have to be a Rough Road: Strategies for Embracing the Strengths and Gifts of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. “You’re Going to Love This Kid!”. By, Paula Kluth Presented By, Stephanie Blake-Gomez Susie Lund. Learning Goals. Participants will
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It Doesn't have to be a Rough Road: Strategies forEmbracing the Strengths and Gifts of Students withAutism Spectrum Disorders
“You’re Going to Love This Kid!” By, Paula Kluth Presented By, Stephanie Blake-Gomez Susie Lund
Learning Goals Participants will • Define characteristics of autism • Learn strategies to support students on the autism spectrum
No Two Students With Autism Are Alike General characteristics: • Communication Differences • Social Differences • Repetitive Behaviors and Fascinations • Sensory Sensitivity
Strategies From “You’re Going to Love This Kid” • Getting it off the Page • Responding to Sensory Needs • Using Visuals • Employing Positive behavior supports
Getting it off the Page • Partner and small group learning • Learning games and activities • Glue, attach, draw, sculpt, design instead of write • Explore new technologies • Work with objects, models and artifacts instead of worksheets, notebooks and pencils • Use materials that allow for movement • Put interactive materials on floor, walls or hallways • Drama and role play
Respond to Sensory needs • Noise level • Seating • Lighting • Placement • Materials
Using Visuals • Activity schedules • First/Then Boards • Choice Menus • Written words
Employing Positive Behavior Supports • Focus on relationships • Engaging instruction • Teach new skills • Offer safe spaces and breaks • Tap into interests
Focus on Relationships The notion that most persons on the autism spectrum do not want meaningful social relationships is not only outdated, it is patently false… -Scott Bellini, 2013
Engaging Instruction • Common Causes of Challenging Behavior • Curriculum is dull and lacks variety • Curriculum not age appropriate • Instruction that is poor match to learning style • Instruction incompatible with learner’s challenges • Not enough communication support • Not enough social interaction • Not enough fun or joy in the day
Teach New Skills • Social narratives • Previewing Experiences and Materials • Role play and Drama • Video Modeling
Tap into Interests: Just Give Him a Whale • Use fascinations, areas of expertise, and strengths to: • Encourage risk taking • Boost Learning • Let Students Shine and Showcase Talents
Ability Awareness • Many students with Autism excel in visual skills, music, math and art. • It is our job to find those abilities/skills that each student has and build our teaching around what they are ABLE to do! • It is our job to find what interests all students, especially students with Autism and build our teaching around what they are INTERESTED in! • Let’s watch Jodi http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QX-xToQI34I&feature=player_detailpage