Teaching Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders By Chantal Sicile-Kira Asia Education Summit UNESCO BangKok February 2016

Overview What is Autism? What Does Autism Look Like? Two Examples. How Does Autism Impact Learning? An Effective Teaching Model Resources &Practical Advice

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder? DSM V Persistent challenges in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts. Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities May include or hyper- or hypo-activity to sensory input, or unusual interest in sensory aspects of the environment

What does Autism look like? It’s a Spectrum “When you’ve seen one person with autism, you’ve seen one person with autism: ” Share label, same challenge areas but to different degrees. More able end of the spectrum (HFA): – Verbal but may not understand nuances, facial expressions, body language or hidden curriculum. May speak about and be interested only in one topic. Sensory challenges. Severely impacted by autism (classic autism): – Non-verbal or little speech, hypo or hyper tonic muscle tone, self-stimulatory behavior, does not use toys or objects appropriately, Sensory- motor challenges.

Example 1: Temple Grandin

Now: Temple Grandin, PhD Professor, Colorado State University “ Different, not less!” Considered a national treasure. Independent.

Example 2: Jeremy Sicile-Kira

Now: JeremysVision.com Graduated from high school despite being nonverbal; now an accomplished artist, writer and volunteer. Not independent, Requires supports. But is productive.

How Does Autism Impact Learning? Communication and Social Challenges Do not naturally imitate Difficulty in making sense of the world: Sensory Processing Challenges Movement Differences Is the child a visual learner, an auditory learner, or a tactile learner? Multidisciplinary approach is needed.

DIR/Floortime Model (Stanley Greenspan and Serena Wieder) DIR : Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship model Effective multidisciplinary approach Strong parent component.

Model School: Celebrate the Children Self-regulation Engagement Intentionality Shared Problem Solving Whole Body Comprehension Symbolic, Abstract, Critical and Reflective Thinking Strong Social Understanding and Abilities Creativity/Ability to Think Outside the Box Emotional Intelligence Global Awareness Strong Use of Technology

Online Resources and Webinars Available online - training on the DIR / Floortime model and curriculum: – Profectum: – Interdisciplinary Council on Development and Learning: Info re Vision development: visionhelp.com.visionhelp.com – On-line training on Vision development: vitallinks.com. vitallinks.com Info re Auditory Processing Disorder:

No Resources Available for Model School? Some Practical Advice: “No Surprises! Tell us what is going to happen next.” (Temple Grandin) “Presume Competence.” (Jeremy Sicile-Kira) Teach rules of behavior (manners, social, culurual expectations) Teach them a way to communicate. Keep them engaged. Read to them. Focus on strengths and interests Parents are key Parents need support and understanding from others in order to raise a child with autism

AutismCollege.com

Conclusion “Frankly, I may be different from you because of my challenges and gifts, but mostly, I am just like you – a person who wants to enjoy life with family and friends.” - Jeremy Sicile-Kira