www.cod.edu/people/faculty/duggan Practical Strategies for Supporting Students on the Autism Spectrum in the Classroom Michael W. Duggan, LCPC, CRC, Ed.D. Counselor for Students with Disabilities/Professor Counseling Services duggan@cod.edu 630-942-2845

Statistics The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have estimated at least 1 in 68 children have some level of autism. There has been a near 300 % growth of the # of reported cases of Autism since 1993 . Autism was first diagnosed in 1956 by American psychiatrist Leo Kanner and its cause still remains a mystery. Worldwide adults on the spectrum make up between 1 and 2% of the population Fastest growing group in higher education. Roughly 200 students have self-disclosed at COD.

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder? A complex developmental disorder that normally is observed before age 3. Symptoms include: a) marked impairments in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body posture, and gestures to regulate social interaction b) failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level

Characteristics (cont.) c) a lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people, (e.g., by a lack of showing, bringing, or pointing out objects of interest to other people). d) lack of social or emotional reciprocity.

Why is it called a “spectrum disorder”? Students call fall within a high gradient of functioning levels which are tied to intellect. Some are non-verbal or unable to effectively verbally communicate, while others are on the high end, with exceptional intellectual ability but with the same social difficulties.

What is Asperger’s Syndrome? Asperger’s Syndrome is a milder variant that falls on the Autistic spectrum. It is considered a type of Autism There is current debate if Asperger's Syndrome and High Functioning Autism are one and the same or distinctly different.

Key Characteristics Frequently Observed at the College Level Language: speech is sometimes stilted and repetitive voice tends to be flat and emotionless conversations revolve around self Behavior movements tend to be clumsy and awkward odd forms of self-stimulatory behavior socially aware but displays inappropriate reciprocal interaction

Characteristics (Cont) Cognition obsessed with complex topics, such as patterns, weather, music, history, etc. I.Q.'s fall along the full spectrum, but many are in the above normal range in verbal ability and in the below average range in performance abilities. many have dyslexia, writing problems, and difficulty with mathematics lack common sense concrete thinking (versus abstract)

What does this look like? Autism Simulation

Educational Experiences College Safety—Sharing of personal information, knowing what to do in an emergency Academic Issues—Developing study skills and knowing where to go for help Health Issues—Knowing where to go if sick Personal Care Time Management

Difficulties in College Organizational problems Dealing with surprises Knowing when he needs help Lack of assertiveness Not understanding other’s perspective Difficulty determining what is important Difficulty with financial and social situations

Academic Accommodations Extended time for testing Separate setting for testing Priority seating in classroom Hard copies of notes Tape recording of lectures

Interventions found to help college success Structure: for doing homework, studying for exams, sleep patterns, etc. Make multiple copies of syllabus and deadlines. Use electronic devices that give frequent reminders if the student is comfortable Designate who to go for when help is needed.

Interventions (cont.) Schedule regular appointments with a college professional in Counseling/Access & Accommodations Regular appointments with professors during office hours Limit technology access, especially gaming Seek out an “academic coach” that can closely follow up with the student (ideally this should not be a parent, but someone with neutral experience, but genuine interest in helping the student succeed).

Claire and Jason

Perspective Jason and Claire

What we’re doing for Autism Spectrum Students: Autismerica Offerings for students with additional intellectual disabilities Education 1110 for Spectrum Students Best Buddies Mentoring Program Speaker Services

History Social group for students and community members on the autism spectrum No age limit, but most students age 16-30 Includes short educational programming, and then social time, including video games, ping- pong, pool and more Separate meeting area for parents Mentoring Program Facebook Page Official website

Articles: Daily Herald Chicago Sun Times COD Courier West Suburban Living

Autismerica Video Video

Students with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism Vocational Skills Program-- Job Skill Development Reach Out Program— Independent Living Skills Coursework Literacy Program— Reading and Writing Skills COACH Program --Cohort focused, internship based program

Education 1110—Interpersonal Skills for Life and Work for Autism Spectrum Students Small cohort of 15 students Targets unique interpersonal challenges for students on the spectrum Making friends Developing relationships Managing anxiety and stress Developing coping skills Asking for help Expressing and recognizing emotions Many more topics

COD Buddies Students will be paired from current Education 1110 course with officers of Autismerica 15 pairings in total—15 mentors/1o mentees Students meet weekly to discuss college and life

5 Practical Strategies for Faculty

5 Practical Strategies 1) Meet with the student early in the semester to discuss ways to work together. 2) Make syllabus with deadlines clearly spelled out and rubrics if possible. 3) If student expresses an unwillingness or awkwardness to communicate in person, ask if emailing would be better fitting

5 Practical Strategies (cont) 4) Intervene with erratic behaviors immediately. Provide honest and open feedback. 5) To help establish rapport, ask the student if they have any interests or hobbies, but also, be prepared to hear a long answer!

Finally… Overall Experience-Jason Access Video--Claire

Your Experiences/Questions?