1. 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

2. 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
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.

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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)

9. What does this look like?
Autism Simulation

10. 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

11. 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

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

13. 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.

14. 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).

15. Claire and Jason

16. Perspective
Jason and Claire

17. 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

18. 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

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

20. Autismerica Video
Video

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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

24. 5 Practical Strategies for Faculty

25. 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 ing would be better fitting

26. 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!

27. Finally…
Overall Experience-Jason
Access Video--Claire

28. Your Experiences/Questions?