1. Fostering Deep & Focused Interests in Children with ASDs Valerie Paradiz, PhD Elijah Wapner Autism One 2008

2. Family Story Elijah’s diagnosis Grassroots Self- Advocacy Embracing Autism as a Culture The Ebb & Flow of Deep Interests

3. Early Years Hats Balloons Colors Sketching Val’s Shadow Traits German Literature Writing as Social Scripting Poetry & Prose Elijah’s Cup

4. The Adventure… Elijah’s 5th Grade Crisis The ASPIE School: A Haven for Building Confidence Val’s Diagnosis Elijah’s Comedy The Sudbury School Infrastructure for Schools and Organizations

5. What is a deep interest?

6. Deep Interests & ASD An area of knowledge or activity that a person with Autism Spectrum Difference (ASD) enjoys engaging in frequently and to a great degree, sometimes to the exclusion of most other activities, often more intensively than an average hobby or leisure time pursuit

7. Intrinsic Motivation Activities that people do naturally and spontaneously when they feel free to follow their inner interests. Ryan and Deci, “Self-Determination Theory and the Facilitation of Intrinsic Motivation, Social Development, and Well-Being”

13. True or False? Focused interests are obsessions. They are non-functional. They can indicate a person’s feelings of anxiety or overwhelm. Deep interests can lead to developing vocational skills or a career. They interrupt real learning in the classroom. They undermine relationships with family members at home. They can be helpful in self-regulation.

14. The Power of Deep Interests Elijah’s Comedy Biography

15. Early Childhood Charlie Stims Echolalia Delayed Speech Seizures Auditory Sensitivity Nonverbal Entertainment

16. Middle Childhood Comedian Stims Genres of Comedy Memorizing Jokes Social Scripting Integrating Gestures with Speech

17. Adolescence Self Protection Conflict Resolution Timing & Delivery Original Material MTV: True Life, I Have Autism Gotham Comedy Club Stella Adler Studio Micro Enterprise

18. Supporting Emerging & Focused Interests at home and in the classroom

19. For Educators Integrating focused interests into lesson plans can… motivate students to attempt new subjects or topic areas inspire kids to practice study skills they might generally avoid or refuse to do be an avenue for promoting good self-esteem serve as a positive reinforcement win respect and admiration from peers

20. “Tapping into Special Interests in the Classroom” Valerie Paradiz, PhD Autism Internet Modules (AIM) www.AutismInternetModules.org

21. ISA™ Lesson Planning Fostering Focused Interests at School

22. For Families Integrating deep interests into family activities can… validate your child’s need for familiar structures inspire kids to try new activities they might avoid or refuse to do show your child that you appreciate how she thinks celebrate autistic culture!

23. Name that Aspie! And name that focused interest, too!

24. Mr. Inevitable American Air Guitarist

25. Q & A Contact www.ValerieParadiz.com Val@ValerieParadiz.com www.MrInevitable.com Elijah@MrInevitable.com