The Basics of Autism Spectrum Disorders

Training Series

RAAC Training Committee2012

Child Care Training Series Modules

Module One: Autism Defined, Autism Prevalence and Primary Characteristics

Module Two: Early Signs of Autism

Module Three: Physical Characteristics of Autism

Module Four: Cognition and Learning in Autism

Module Five: Autism and Sensory Differences

Module Six: Communication and Autism

Child Care Training Series Modules

Module Seven: Behavior Challenges and Autism

Module Eight: Understanding Behavior in Children with Autism

Module Nine: Functional Behavior Assessment

Module Ten: Autism and Play Skills to Teach

Module Eleven: Safety and Autism

Autism and Play Skills to Teach

Children with ASD may not learn play skills automatically.

Skills can range from:

None Limited

Big Idea

Play skills need to be directly taught.

Autism and Play Skills to Teach

Play activities are an important part of a child’s life.

Children with ASD may have limited interests.

We need to teach new activities to go with their favorite activities so they have more choices and have activities to share with peers.

Strategies to Increase Skills

Some children with ASD will prefer activities unique to their special interests.

If the child has a particular interest, use that to guide play activities (i.e. Likes music – listen to music, play with musical toys; Likes food – teach a simple cooking activity).

Some activities may need to be changed or adapted to be successful (i.e. a game may need to be simplified).

Strategies to Increase Play Skills

A new activity will need to be broken down into simple steps. Each step will need to be taught separately with lots with lots of help and practice.

New activities should be learned first with an adult and then with peers.

Use a few clear words with visual and physical help when teaching an activity.

Strategies to Increase Play Skills

Play activities can be done alone or as a group.

Choices are important when playing.Some children with autism tend to play with the

same toy over and over.Have several activities for the child to choose

from. Choice-making is a skill and it may need to be

taught.Have pictures of the available activities.

Big Idea

Help the child with ASD choose a variety of activities so they do not get stuck doing the same thing over and over again.