SFP 10 -14 and Youth with Autistic Spectrum Disorders Elaine Berrena

Youth Characteristics Easily distracted Short attention span Limited interest or focus Difficulty understanding abstract concepts Difficulty identifying and sequencing parts of a task Difficulty reading social cues and norms Delayed language and communication skills

Strategies to Support SFP 10-14 Prepare the environment Use clear expectations and rules Agenda – group and individual, with visual aids Checklist for steps of an activity Have youth echo instructions or directions Collaborate with parents/caregivers Close proximity to a facilitator

Strategies to Support SFP 10-14 Use additional help or staff Youth partner or buddy Facilitator or third staff person Model all activities Provide a “fidget item” Provide transition preparation Allow youth to participate at his/her comfort level

Adaptations to SFP 10 - 14 Curriculum Modifications: Scaffold Instruction Provide small chunks of information Simplify information Divide activity into small steps

PROSPER Sessions Think about your groups… What strategies have you used to support SFP? What modifications have you made to SFP to support youth participation?