AUTISM SUPPORT TRAINING Interventions and Strategies for Success!

Autism in Jefferson County Over 200 students are identified with the label of Autism Many more not identified Many identified under other exceptionalities

Autism Characteristics     Autism Characteristics Impairment with verbal and/or nonverbal communication Impairment with social interaction Demonstrate some form of restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities. Asperger's Syndrome - A child with Asperger's syndrome has the same common problems as children with autism but less pronounced; however they don't have language development problems of a child with autism.  

Fundamental Components for Every Student with Autism Schedule Physical/Visual Structure of the Environment Positive Behavior Supports Communication Supports Social Skills/Hidden Curriculum

Schedules A visual/written schedule will tell a student what activities will occur and in what sequence A visual/written schedule is important because: Address sequential memory and organization of time Assist with language comprehension Lessen anxiety level thus reduce challenging behaviors Teach transitioning independently (no verbal prompts)

Manilla Folder/ Clip Board Object Schedule Types of Schedules Manilla Folder/ Clip Board Object Schedule

Dry Erase Read & Check Off

Physical /Visual Structure of the Environment Physical structure provides environmental organization Clear physical/visual boundaries show where areas begin and end The physical structure minimizes visual and auditory distractions *Physical structure depends on student’s level of self control and can be gradually lessened as they function more independently.

Labeled Cubbies `

Boundaries Labeling Stations

Safe /Quiet Spaces

Positive Behavior Supports A positive reinforcer increases the likelihood of a positive response/behavior occurring again. Use tangible reinforcers paired with verbal praise. For young children: food, drink, toy For older children: music, drawing, computer Reinforcement Inventory -Must used highly preferred reinforcers!!

Reinforcement Visual Strategies Token Economy Penny Boards (STAR Program) First –Then Visual Behavior Charts–Higher functioning Autism/ Asperger students

Visual Timers

Communication Key component to a successful program that reaches a student with Autism Provide opportunities for communication in ALL daily activities. Communication is not just requesting Commenting Social exchanges Giving information to others Teach both expressive and receptive communication

Visuals and more effective than auditory directions only. -Greatly increase a student’s comprehension and more effective than auditory directions only. -Helps gain, retain, and refocus attention - Reduces physical/verbal support - Increases independent skills

Mini Schedule Choice Boards Where to use Visuals? Mini Schedule Choice Boards

Calendar Visual Asking for HELP

Augmentative Communication Choice boards, Picture books, VOCAS Use in all environments throughout the day Collaborate with speech therapist, specials teachers, etc. to plan students communication program Continued updating of vocabulary Increase vocabulary on a weekly basis. Target 5-10 new words per week depending on child’s ability level.

Social Skills/Hidden Curriculum Provides visual information and strategies that will improve understanding of social situations Should be taught daily! Preparation for schedule change and new activities must be included. Social Stories Video Modeling Model Me Kids Scripting Hidden Curriculum

Curriculum Language/Vocabulary Should be one of the main objectives Integrate in all activities Should be one of the main objectives Individualize to each student’s level

Visual Supports (Curriculum) Strategies necessary to promote independence and task completion. Three drawer system Jigs Color Coding Task analysis

Jigs

Color Coding

Fun and Functional Be creative Functional Rotate activities in centers Multi sensory activities Create weekly themes Peer helpers (reverse inclusion) Functional Be sure activities are useful (Life applications) Generalize activities