For many, this is the first day of school and a new school year filled with promise!
If you have ever worked or lived with a child with autism, you know that structure is really important. A schedule of the day's events, prepared in advance for the young one with autism, can help to eliminate many "shifting" or transition problems, as well as melt-down type behavior. Schedules are not only useful in the school setting but also at home. A visual representation of the various "events" of the day is most helpful, as many of our children have language impairment. Taking a picture of the child or a recognizable peer performing the activity or going through the "event' is even more helpful. Often, cartoon representations are used with schedule-making, but it's important that these representations make as much sense as possible to the student.
In today's classroom, much busywork can often be found on the classroom walls or even hanging from the ceiling. Frequently, although "cute", these things can be a huge distraction for children with limited attending ability. Schedules can become lost in this sea of visual stimuli. A child can't attend to the schedule if his attention is often drawn away from it!
Sometimes, it's the little things that can make a big difference for kids with autism and Asperger's!
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Many thanks to my Kiersten for getting this blog up and running! She is one special daughter!
The journey begins!.....
Recently, at a training in Pittsburgh, I was asked the question: "Do you think that people can recover from autism?" My answer was and always is the same: Autism is not an illness. It is a life-long condition that affects each person in its own unique way. Some individuals who were diagnosed at a young age appear to have "out grown" their symptoms by adulthood. They are happy and productive in society. Some will tell you that they still struggle with sensory stimuli, social interactions, etc., but have learned ways to cope effectively in their adult lives. But there are also other individuals that continue to be very much afflicted with their disability, and they struggle daily to overcome its challenges.
As parents and educators, it is our job to take our children to their maximum level of potential, whatever that potential may be. We must not lose sight of their individuality, and we must always remember to treasure their uniqueness.
The journey begins!.....
Recently, at a training in Pittsburgh, I was asked the question: "Do you think that people can recover from autism?" My answer was and always is the same: Autism is not an illness. It is a life-long condition that affects each person in its own unique way. Some individuals who were diagnosed at a young age appear to have "out grown" their symptoms by adulthood. They are happy and productive in society. Some will tell you that they still struggle with sensory stimuli, social interactions, etc., but have learned ways to cope effectively in their adult lives. But there are also other individuals that continue to be very much afflicted with their disability, and they struggle daily to overcome its challenges.
As parents and educators, it is our job to take our children to their maximum level of potential, whatever that potential may be. We must not lose sight of their individuality, and we must always remember to treasure their uniqueness.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)