Main Points of This Morning's Talk Relationship is at the core of all good teaching Autism as a social disorder is a part of who that person is and as such should be respected (Autism Culture) Relationship building goals are logical social goals for a person with ASD. Your perspective regarding a difficult student greatly influences the relationship you will have with that student.
If someone smiles at you, what are you likely to do? Kevin Aaron
It has been well established that relationship building is at the core of all human interaction, and that experiences with positive interactions are needed to develop positive interactions.
What are the goals? Increase social motivation Increase positive social memories Increase social approaches Increase happy gestures and facial expressions Increase human reward Increase tolerance for others Increase interpersonal success
Loneliness in Adolescent Boys with ASD – Lasgaard, et. Al. Social Support found to be an important protective factor Social Skills training seemed to help Parents creating a social network
Mary Ann Winter-Messiers University of Oregon (researched special interests) There is a strong positive relationship between special interests and pro-social skills.
Using special interests at camp History Science Weather Animals Chess Sports Stats Art Drama/Improv
Survey the whole class and chart
2010-2011 topics: Handling Disappointment Personal Space Self-talk Having a Conversation Transitions Handling Change Having a Sticky Thought Full Body Listening Basic Manners
SYSTEMATIC DEPARTMENTS -Main Event: Identified issues -I Second That Emotion: Use of a scale -Coming to Our Senses: A sensory issue -Dear Roger: A problem to solve -Something to Talk About: A social situation gone bad and then resolved -Puzzles with vocabulary -Trivia -Hidden Curriculum Cartoon
Hidden Curriculum What is funny? How do the characters feel? What are they Thinking? What could the boy do differently?
Cartoon Activity Review your cartoon What is happening? What is the Hidden Curriculum lesson? How are other people reacting? What could the person do differently to change the reactions?
Why Develop a Magazine? The Social Times supports social skill curriculum. Used monthly, it is a predictable and systematic way to discuss social issues. The magazine addresses specific skills that appear to being lacking in autism. The magazine adds fun and hopefully increases motivation for students. The goal of the Social Times is to increase active participation.
The Teacher Webpage Tips for teachers (to expand on the topics)- handout Answers to puzzles or quizzes Example quiz on Main Event topic 5 minute power point on how this topic affects students with ASD - handout Tip sheet for mainstream teachers Letter to parents *research information regarding the main event
Teaching Nonverbal Social Communication Video modeling: self evaluation Video review: critical observation Attention to rhythm (different cultures) Evaluation personal distance Public speaking / debate team Acting / Improv Use of Animated movies to analyze facial expressions and body language
I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. Maya Angelou