The Basics of Autism Spectrum Disorders Training Series

1. The Basics of Autism Spectrum DisordersTraining Series Regional Autism Advisory Council of Southwest Ohio (RAAC-SWO) RAAC Training Committee 2011

2. Training Series Modules Module One: Autism Defined, Autism Prevalence and Primary Characteristics Module Two: Physical Characteristics of Autism Module Three: Cognition and Learning in Autism Module Four: Getting the Student Ready to Learn Module Five: Structuring the Classroom Environment Module Six: Using Reinforcement in the Classroom

3. Training Series Modules Module Seven: Autism and Sensory Differences Module Eight: Sensory in the Classroom Module Nine: Communication and Autism Module Ten: Communication in the Classroom Module Eleven: Behavior Challenges and Autism Module Twelve: Understanding Behavior in Students with Autism

4. Training Series Modules Module Thirteen: Social Skills in the School Environment Module Fourteen: Functional Behavior Assessment Module Fifteen: Working Together as a Team Module Sixteen: Autism and Leisure Skills to Teach Module Seventeen: Special Issues of Adolescence Module Eighteen: Safety and Autism Module Nineteen: Special Issues: High School, Transition, and Job Readiness

5. Training Series Modules • Module Twenty: Asperger Syndrome: Managing and Organizing the Environment • Module Twenty-One: Asperger Syndrome: Addressing Social Skills

6. Challenges of Adolescence: Behavior Behavior • During adolescence there may be an increase in aggressive behaviors. • Adolescents with ASD are more likely to have behavior problems than many other developmental disabilities.

7. Challenges of Adolescence: Anxiety • Anxiety often gets worse as the student gets older. • A quiet time or a quieting routine may be helpful if anxiety seems high. • Teach relaxation exercises as part of the daily routine. • Let them know when there are changes in schedule or activities. • Medications for anxiety may be prescribed. • Physical exercise may be calming.

8. Challenges of Adolescence: Sexuality • Some behaviors may be seen as sexually inappropriate even if the student didn’t intend for them to be. • For example, the student with ASD may not understand how staring, undoing pants on the way to the bathroom, leaving the bathroom door open, staring in windows, saying inappropriate things bothers others. • We will have to teach behaviors that are acceptable.

9. Big Idea Inappropriate sexual behavior needs to be treated as we would any other behavior. We need to be matter-of-fact when dealing with these behaviors. We need to teach appropriate behavior.

10. Challenges of Adolescence: Medications • There is no “Autism” medicine. • Medicine is used to target specific symptoms. • Doctors may use a trial and error approach to find the right medicine and the correct dose.

11. Challenges of Adolescence: Medications Symptoms that are sometimes targeted: • Obsessive-compulsive behaviors • Anxiety • Aggression • Seizures • Hyperactivity/Attention

12. Big Idea You need to clearly describe the symptoms in order to help the doctor know how to treat the problem.

13. Challenges of Adolescence: Regular Check-ups • The student with ASD needs regular medical check-ups. • Vaccinations need to be up-to-date. • Blood pressure needs to be checked yearly (more often if the student has a blood pressure problem). • Weight needs to be checked regularly to make sure there are no rapid weight gains or losses.

14. Challenges of Adolescence and: Regular Check-ups • Adolescent girls need to begin to have visits with the gynecologist. Special preparation needs to be considered for this. Work together with the family. • Regular dental check-ups are important. Special arrangements may have to be made for these visits. • Procedures like drawing blood or medical tests may need special planning.

15. Challenges of Adolescence: Everyday Precautions • Skin should be examined for unusual growths or moles (make sure the person wears sunscreen). • Any changes in bowel or bladder habits should be reported. • Listen for loud snoring and gasping for breath during sleep. Many people with ASD have sleep apnea. This may need to be treated.

16. Big Idea People with ASD will experience many of the problems of growing older that we all face. The challenge is that they may not be able to tell you about the symptoms they are experiencing.

17. Challenges of Adolescence and Adulthood: Physical Activity • Some people with ASD may not be self-motivated by physical exercise but may be motivated by a favorite activity. • The person may like certain activities such as swimming, horseback riding, Karate. • A daily walking program could provide necessary physical activity.

18. Big Idea Physical activity is necessary for a healthy life style.