4. What is Autism?
Autism is more recently described as
“mindblindedness”. This appears during the
first three years of life. A child with autism
appears to live in his/her own world.
http://www.koraorganics.com/blog/live-in-my-skin/all-things-organic/organic-certification/autism/
5. What causes Autism?
The exact cause of Autism is not known. In fact,
genetic factors play a major part in ASD. It
might be cause by several genes combine and
act together.
6. Characteristics of Autism
Difficulties relating to and communicating with other
people (verbal and non-verbal).
Restricted interests and repeating particular
behavior and routines.
Difficulties in social interaction, flexible thinking and
imaginative play.
7. Impacts on other Development
Around 75% of children with autism also have an
intellectual disability, with 40% recording IQs below 50.
Across the spectrum, many also show characteristic of
ADHD.
Many also have delayed motor skills with poor
coordination or clumsiness.
Porter (2008), pg. 197
8. Diagnose ASD
There is no single test available to diagnose ASD.
Instead, diagnosis is based on watching how the
child plays and interacts with others, interviewing
parents, and reviewing the child’s developmental
history.
A professional who can diagnose ASD is a
paediatrician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other
trained professional in ASD.
9. http://www.autismepicenter.com/autism-symptoms.shtml
Red Flag
INFANTS:
Not smiling.
Not responding to their name.
Being more interested in objects than faces.
Inability to follow pointing hand.
Struggling to imitate actions.
http://www.e-babysignlanguage.com/2011/11/08/baby-sign-language-how-it-can-help-your-autistic-child-revealed/
12. Sensory Overload
Sensory overload can happen anytime and this may be
presented in different ways including tantrum.
This is not ‘naughty’ behavior. It occurs in response to a
trigger factor.
Sensory overload can be caused by many different factors.
Such as:
Too many/not enough lights
A change in routine or environment
Too much noise/ not enough noise
This list could go on!
http://www.betterworldbooks.com/why-does-izzy-cover-her-ears-dealing-with-sensory-overload-id-1934575461.aspx
13. Information and Modification
Provide one to one staff ratio for the child with
autism.
Staff should have basic knowledge about autism.
Staff should learn basic strategies in communicating
and responding the child.
If possible have a specialist to come to centre.
Have a variety visual communication tools
such as pictures around the room.
Have a chill out zone.
http://angchurchpentintl.org/mission.php
14. http://www.thefind.com/furniture/info-kids-bean-bag-chair
De-Stress Breaks
When the child is overload, guide him/her to the chill
out zone and give 5 minutes uninterrupted time.
Ensure the 5 minutes de-stress break occurs at least
once every hour.
Design a ‘chill-out zone’ with:
http://www.poundland.co.uk/product-range/a-z/assorted-childrens-books/
http://www.couponsaregreat.net/2011/05/27/baby-event-sassy-baby-review-and-giveaway-ends-69/sassy-sensory-balls/
15. Visual Communication
To lessen anxiety level of the child.
To assist the child in transitioning independently.
First Then
http://appliedbehavioralstrategies.wordpress.com/2011/11/08/do-you-use-visual-schedules/
17. Promotion of Inclusive Attitudes
Meet and discuss about new child with autism
enrolling in the centre for parents and staff.
Staff training/workshop about children with autism.
Staff awareness of inclusion policy in Australia and in
the centre.
Welcome strategies with staff for child with autism.
Newsletter to all parents about the child with autism.
Discussion with all children about autism.
18. Teaching Strategies
Know the child, talk to parents
Set goals and make planning & be perseverance
Be patient and calm
Give simple command
Don’t give attention to self-abuse
Short, easy and quick activities
Reward immediately
http://margaretcsharpe.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1
19. Independence Activities
Cognitive Skills:
Matching Skills:
• Photo to photo
• Object to photo
• Photo to object
• Colour to colour
• Words to words
• Number to numbers
• Picture to numbers
• Picture to words
Object permanence
cues
Counting Skills
21. Language Skills:
If the child is non-verbal:
Teach the child to use visual communication aid/sign
language.
Use TechTalk (if there’s any).
Teach the child pointing skills.
Point and “give me” skills.
Encourage eye-contact.
If the child is verbal:
Teach the child simple words and repeat.
Use a picture and word games.
Sing some repeating nursery rhymes.
Ask simple question.
22. Motor Skills:
Trace dotted line
Trace Shapes
Copy Simple Shapes
Coloring
Trace Letters
Drawing
Song with action
Kick and throw ball
game
Push ball game on
the floor
23. Social and Emotional Skills:
Help setting table.
Help clean up toys.
Play games with other children with prompt
such as duck duck goose, etc.
Imitation games – follow teachers movement.
Encourage self help skills.
25. Parents Support Group
Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect)
This is a not for profit provider of services and assistance
to people with autism and their families in NSW.
This organization have an ‘Event Calendar’. They held
workshop or events about autism every months. Some
of them are autism awareness
campaign, family fun day,
parent carer workshop, etc.
Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect)
Contact:
Building 1, Level 2
14 Aquatic Drive
Frenchs Forest NSW 2086
Phone: (02) 8977 8300
Info line: (02) 8977 8377
Email: infoline@autismspectrum.org.au
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26. Relationship with Family
Have an open and honest communication with family.
Communicate their child’s interest and strength.
Put yourself in your family member’s shoes and try to
empathize about what they must feel.
Assist family to have a sense of belonging and inclusion.
Listen and learn from family.
Acknowledge family rights to make decision for the
children.
29. The 4 most important things to successfully
work with child with autism
Every child is different, you might need to find particular
strategies for each child.
***
They don’t need your sympathy, they need your understanding.
***
Believe in them and don’t give up.
***
Educate Yourself!
http://gregdetisionlinesuccess.com/2011/05/31/service-is-the-answer-to-riches/
30. Bibliography
One-on-one (2002) Film. Directed by JEFF SCHULTZ. WI: IEP Resources.
RAISING CHILDREN NETWORK (2006-2012) Autism spectrum disorder
[WWW] Raising Children Network (Australia). Available from:
http://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/autism_spectrum_disorder_over
view.html/context/920 [Accessed 03/03/12].
Breakthrough: How to Reach Students with Autism (2000). Film.
Directed by JEFF SCHULTZ. WI: Attainment Company Inc.
