Where do I start?
What should I focus on?
Chris Edmonds Autism Ed www.autismed.com.au Google Autism – 20 million sites Gain Knowledge about ASC
Join associations
Access resources
Read books/articles
Attend Professional Development
Accessible and Reliable Information • Amaze (resources) – fact sheets www.amaze.org.au
• Sue Larkey – tip sheets www.suelarkey.com
• National Autistic Society (UK) - info and tip sheets www.nas.org.uk
• Asperger’s Vicoria – www.aspergersvic.org.au
• Autism Help – www.autismhelp.info
Newsletters
Amaze – eSpectrum and Spectrum magazine
Sue Larkey E-newsletter and ‘Making it a Success with Sue Larkey’ newsletter
Autism Spectrum Education Services(ASES) e-NEWS www.autismspectrumeducation.com
I recommend these books…
All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome, Kathy Hoopman
The Reason I Jump, Naoki Higashida
Nuggets of Gold/The Hidden Strengths of Autism, Roger Langsdon
Ten Things Every Child With Autism Wishes You Knew, Helen Notbohm
From Anxiety to Meltdown, Deborah Lipsky
The Curious Incident of the Dog In The Night-Time, Mark Haddon.
Listen to people on the spectrum…
Amaze – Hear and Share evenings (free talks available to members) Wendy Lawson, Donna Williams, Roger Langsdon, Lisa Domican (The Grace App), Chris Varney, Mark and Leanne Hogan
DVD – Temple Grandin
Look Me In The Eye, John Elder Robison
Autobiographies and memoirs – jkp.com (memoirs)
Parents as Partners
Information from parents –
• Family structure • Communication skills (verbal, non verbal) • Communication supports (PECS, sign) • Social skills • Processing skills • Learning styles • Likes and dislikes • Effective rewards • Strengths • Challenges • Sensory issues
Parents as Partners
• Signs of anxiety or stress • Meltdown triggers • Warning signs before a meltdown • Safety concerns • Dietary issues/considerations • Emotional regulation • Rigid/repetitive behaviour • Fine and gross motor skills • Sleep patterns • General health • Toileting • Specialists/programs • Parents goals……… Communicating with Parents
Decide together on best way to communicate and the purpose of the communication -
Communication book Email Photos Daily record sheet Phone call
Visual Visual Visual
The majority of people on the autism spectrum are visual learners. That means they understand what they SEE better than what they HEAR.
Using Visuals
key things to remember………….. 1. Keep it simple 2. It’s not “one size fits all” 3. Visuals need to be meaningful to students 4. Visual supports are not only for non verbal students 5. When in doubt, use a simpler form 6. Locate visuals where students can see them or access them 7. Accommodate student preferences/interests 8. Be prepared to ‘tweak’ visuals to ensure their effectiveness.
A great resource….
Visual Strategies for Improving Communiction – practical supports for Autism Spectrum Disorders Linda Hodgdon
DVD program – Visual Strategies workshop –working with Autism and related communication and behaviour challenges Linda Hodgdon
Strengths and Special Interests
Use a student’s strengths and special interest to motivate, engage and connect. Self Esteem
• Many students on the spectrum have heard the words “NO” “DON’T” and “STOP” far too often.
• Try to use POSITIVES as much as possible to increase self esteem.
• Try to tell a student what TO do, rather than what NOT to do. So with……
Knowledge of Autism Spectrum Parents as Partners Visual supports Utilizing strengths and special interests Increasing self esteem
You will make a significant difference to the lives of these students and their families.
Nuggets Of Gold
“Children on the autism spectrum harbour nuggets of gold. However, these nuggets of gold may be buried deep below a dark cloud of confusing, exhausting, frustrating behaviour. Looking for, developing and celebrating your child’s special qualities may reveal some amazing gifts.”
Roger Langsdon, 2013