SLTU/ CTFJuly 9th, 2015

Special EducationSummer Institute

by: Mrs. Brenda Virgile & Lindsay Freedman

Facts on Autism

Autism and Asperger’s are general terms for a group of complex brain disorders. Under the DSM-5 diagnostic manual they have been merged under an umbrella name Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Sensory Processing DisorderThere are three others on this spectrum -childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) & Rett Syndrome (affects mostly girls).

Autism is a brain disorder.Signs & Symptoms of Autism usually emerge between 2-3 years of age.It is 4-5 times more common among boys than girls.

Children have problems with social interaction, verbal communication & repetitive behaviours.

Autism Video

Facts on Asperger’s Syndrome

Asperger Syndrome is a form of Autism but it is a high functioning type of Autism.They are usually of average or above average intelligence.They have fewer problems with speech.

They have difficulties with understanding and processing language.They usually have specific learning disabilities e.g. dyslexiaThey have a well developed vocabulary but a comparatively low social performance.

They have low emotional awareness of others feelings & thoughts.They struggle to read facial expressions & body language. They find it hard to communicate effectively with others.

They tend to exhibit typical or exceptional language development.They have a tendency to focus intensely.They laugh or cry at inappropriate time

The symptoms are usually confused with that of (Attention Deficit & Hyperactivity Disorder)

ADHD (They act without thinking, are hyperactive & have trouble focusing. They may understand what's expected of them but have trouble following through because they can't sit still, pay attention, or attend to details).

Asperger’s Video

Write on the sticky note what you learned about ADHD/ADD.

You have three (3) minutes.

Teacher Tips for Autism & Aspergers

1.Be clear in what you want to say. Say exactly what you mean.2.Keep your language direct. Avoid double meaning, sarcasm,

subtle jokes, etc.3. Allow time for the student to process new information(slow down your communication).

4. Check that he understands what he has to do in class or for

homework (Visual aids can help). 5. Ensure that he knows what is expected in different situations & settings.

6. Use school diaries/planners to reinforce what is being communi -cated & keep parents informed.7. Be patient! They are not being intentionally rude.8. Avoid confronting an angry or upset student by arguing/ raising your voice.

Strategies that can be used Visual AidsSocial Stories Comic Strip ConversationsPicture Exchange Communication System (PECS)Drama & Role play (social skills)

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Social Stories and Comic Strip Conversations are two techniques to help children with Autism develop a better social interaction. These were created in 1991 by Carol Gray.

Sensory Processing DisorderSocial Stories are short descriptions that allow a child to see what to expect and why, in any given situation.Comic Strip Conversations are visual representations of things actually said, feelings & intentions.

to develop self-care skills (e.g. how to clean teeth, wash hands or get dressed), social skills (e.g. sharing, asking for help, saying thank you, interrupting) and academic abilities

to help a person with autism to understand how others might behave or respond in a particular situation, and therefore how they might be expected to behave

to help others understand the perspective of a person with autism and why they may respond or behave in a particular way

to help a person to cope with changes to routine and unexpected or distressing events (e.g. absence of teacher, moving house, thunderstorms)

to provide positive feedback to a person about an area of strength or achievement in order to develop self-esteem as a behavioural strategy (eg what to do when angry, how to cope with obsessions).

Samples of StrategiesVisual Aids:

Samples of StrategiesSocial Stories:

Samples of StrategiesComic Strip Conversations:

Samples of StrategiesPECS