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Transition & Autism A Middle School Case StudyThe First step to helping is trying to understand

Holding Patterns By Katie Donohue Bevins

Meet Jackson12 year old, African American boy with AutismDiagnosed at 2 years oldSignificant Language delayDifficulties with social interaction and playFrequent repetitive behaviors, (e.g., banging, clapping, rocking) Has been receiving special education services since the age of 3, and is currently served in a W-JCC middle school autism self-contained class. He currently attends Physical Education and music classes in the general education setting. He is working on an adapted curriculum and takes the alternative assessments (VAAP).

Meet JacksonJackson uses language to regularly communicate with his teachers and parents. He avoids initiating communication with peers and unknown adults.Jackson sometimes engages in stereotypical repetitive behaviors at times (e.g., rocking, banging, clapping). However, his behaviors are well controlled during his typical schedule. He is regularly able to wait until break. He is also able to say I need a break!He has special interests in sports, especially baseball. He brings the sports statistics page from the newspaper into school each day and recites current statistics. He currently manages the football and baseball team, and plays Buddy Ball each weekend.He also loves reading to the therapy dogs and enjoys visiting Dream Catchers.

Virginia Wizard Interest AssessmentJacksons primary interest code on this assessment was Artistic. His second was Investigative.

When we discussed the results, he was not happy. We talked about how there were no sports related questions on the test. I told him it was just to give him another idea.

This assessment was challenging for him, because he really had to understand the question. Some of the questions were too abstract.InformalInterestActivityThis activity was based on self-determination strategies found at www.imdetermined.org

We also took some time to explore career fields using Career-Town http://www.vaview.org/k5/play-it/career-town/main.cfm

These activities helped Jackson create some post-secondary goals with the help of his mom. She came to class and we talked about it!

Post-Secondary GoalsWithin one year of exiting high school, Jackson will be employed in a sports or recreation related career.At the conclusion of high school, Jackson will enroll in recreation, first aid or other youth related training classes.Within two years after exiting high school, Jackson will live in an apartment or house with a roommate (like his sister is soon), possibly using the bus for transportation.By June 2012, Jackson will demonstrate comprehension of 6th grade reading selections, as exhibited by the listed objectives.

By June 2012, Jackson will increase his math skills as evidenced by achieving the listed objectives.

By June 2012, Jackson will appropriately initiate at least 10 conversations with his peers per week during free time or lunch without direct adult guidance as evidenced by teacher checklist.

By June 2012, Jackson will discuss concerns or worries with his teacher or mother, and brainstorm at least 3 ways to solve the problem without continued stress as exhibited by entries in the student journal and home/school communication log.

By June 2012, Jackson will complete a fine-motor task that requires twisting or turning with one hand as evidenced by the listed objectives.

Transition Activities, Services and AgenciesContinuing to manage the football and baseball teams as an 8th grader.Shadow an Athletic Trainer for one game to understand the importance of first aid training in recreation jobs.Continue to play Buddy Ball, and ask his coach to help set-up and clean-up before or after practiceExploring sports and recreation careers in the classroom (books, videos & internet)Possibly participate in summer camp through the recreation center.

Transition Activities, Services and Agencies, cont.Paws to Read program at the library.Increased language, reading and math comprehension activities in the classroom.Speech Interventions to encourage Jacksons initiating conversations with peers.Occupational Therapy sessions, focusing on fine-motor skills coordination.High School transition activities to include a school visit, to reduce anxiety and concerns.Independent living skills practice in the classroomThe parents would like to take Jackson on the bus at times throughout the year so that he begins to understand public transportation system.

The Big Idea for Smooth Transitions

If you want to build a ship, don't drum up people to collect wood and don't assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea.

~Antoine de Saint-Exupery