1. AUTISM SUPPORT TRAINING
Interventions and Strategies for
Success!

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

3. 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.

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

5. 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)

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

7. Dry Erase Read & Check Off

8. 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.

9. Labeled Cubbies `

10. Boundaries Labeling Stations

11. Safe /Quiet Spaces

12. 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!!

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

14. Visual Timers

15. 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

16. 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

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

18. Calendar Visual
Asking for HELP

19. 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.

20. 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

21. 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

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

23. Jigs

24. Color Coding

26. 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