Autism Spectrum Disorder Today In your school, on your bus NYSED Driver/Attendant Refresher © NYSED 2010

Thanks to: Barbara McCabe, Jodi Caliciotti and Carla Zambri, Peter Brockmann – Clarkstown CSD munication/TellMe.html

Today we will… Learn Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) basics – characteristics, prevalence, communication Hear words of persons with Autism See parents perspective Find out about strategies for making the bus ride safer Talk about working with schools

Overview of ASD ASD is an umbrella term for a wide spectrum of disorders. They are a group of neurobiological disorders that affect a child's ability to interact, communicate, relate, play, imagine, and learn in standard patterns. These disorders affect how the brain develops and works and may also be related to immunological, gastrointestinal, and metabolic problems. Signs and symptoms are seen in early childhood.

ASD Experience Get into groups of 3 persons Receive a white, pink, or blue paper Do not show your paper to anyone else When instructed to start, follow the directions on your paper Debrief

I may have been born different and misunderstood from birth, but I know there is a place for me, somewhere in this universe. I just want to continue to exist, but you continue to question my very existence! Alyson Bradley

Prevalence of ASD Also referred to as Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) Asperger Syndrome, milder symptoms 1/150 children is diagnosed 1 in 94 boys is on the spectrum New case every 20 minutes More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes & cancer combined Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Spectrum A broad sequence or range of related qualities, ideas, or activities

Not everything that steps out of line, and thus 'abnormal,' must necessarily be 'inferior. We are convinced, then, that autistic people have their place in the organism of the social community. They fulfill their role well, perhaps better than anyone else could, and we are talking of people who as children had the greatest difficulties and caused untold worries to their care-givers. Hans Asperger

Autism Every Day Autism Every Day is a truthful, unvarnished portrayal of the 24- hour-a-day challenges faced by families as they confront the heartbreak of autism with uncompromising hope and unconditional love.

Autism is about having a pure heart and being very sensitive… It is about finding a way to survive in an overwhelming, confusing world… It is about developing differently, in a different pace and with different leaps. Autistic beings develop and bloom if their spirits, talents and self-esteem are not destroyed by bullies, prejudice, doggie- training, and being forced to be normal. Trisha Van Berkel

Challenges posed by autism may seem insurmountable, particularly to the parents of a newly diagnosed child. Many children only require limited speech, behavior and occupational therapy to learn how to manage their symptoms. Others need help managing sensory information and require assistance with everyday activities, but still go to school and work. The reality is that children and adults with autism live active, rich lives when provided with the appropriate supports and services.

Autism says that I accept my child wholly. I celebrate his differences and his quirky- ness. I advocate diversity. I try to empower him. I am proud of his successes, no matter how small they seem. I hope he holds onto the compassion he has in his heart into adulthood. I do not think he needs fixing. I am proud that he is my son, and sometimes I am humbled by that very same thought.

Characteristics of ASD Many combinations and intensities! Stereotypic behaviors; hand flapping, rocking, jumping, self-abusive, etc. Difficulty expressing wants and needs Repeating words or phrases (echolalia) Laughing or crying for no apparent reason Withdrawn or seems to not know you exist

More Characteristics Tantrums Little to no eye contact Perseverates (fixates) on objects Sensitivity to noise Seems as if they have cant sense dangers Non responsive to verbal cues Rigid in schedule or routine

Aspergers syndrome has probably been an important and valuable characteristic of our species throughout evolution. Tony Attwood Someone with Aspergers really is like you, just more extreme. Dr. Winnie Dunn

Communication Most conventional and explici t Least conventional and explicit Speech Written language Picture board Sign language Echolalia Physical manipulation Facial expressions Proximity Idiosyncratic speech or gestures Screaming Self-injurious behavior Aggression

Language Processing Language processing difficulties Wait 3-5 seconds, then ask again Get to the point – simple commands

I can remember the frustration of not being able to talk. I knew what I wanted to say, but I could not get the words out, so I would just scream. Temple Grandin I do not suffer from Autism, but I do suffer from the way you treat me. Tyler Durdin

Dr. Paula Kluth I see a lot of really positive outcomes. Kids learn how to be in a world thats messy and complicated.

Understanding Behaviors Every behavior has a reason. ABC – Every behavior (B) has an antecedent (A) and a consequence (C). If the behavior is understood and managed effectively, the behavior is less likely to occur in the future If the behavior is either not managed or managed incorrectly, the behavior will be more likely to occur in the future.

This is what we know, when you tell us of your fondest hopes and dreams for us: that your greatest wish is that one day we will cease to be, and strangers you can love will move in behind our faces. Jim Sinclair Autism is not something I have. It is integral to who I am. Eliminate the autism, and you eliminate me. When you say you want a cure, you are saying I should be put to death. Think about it. Parrish S. Knight

Behavior Management Plans A Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) is completed Each behavior is analyzed to try and determine its function, and what is maintaining the behavior. Each BMP is child-specific Data collection is extremely important in monitoring and adjusting the BMP

ABC Data Sheet Transportation Students Name : Sue R.__________ DateTimeAntecedent (What happened before the behavior) Behavior (What the behavior looked like) Consequence (What you did in response to the behavior) Staff Initials 5/234:14 pm The bus turned left and the sun was in Sues eyes She began to rock and cry We asked Sue if she would like to move away from the sun but she didnt want to leave her seat F.D.

Ethical Considerations There are many ethical issues when managing behaviors All behaviors and cases are confidential Behavior data are confidential as well. Protect data in a binder or folder, so unauthorized people cannot view it.

Safe Bus Strategies Behavior Management Plans Transition Warnings Assigned Seating Fidget toys Weighted seatbelts Trip Strip Rules poster/Rule cards Social Stories

Text I take the bus to school every day. My mommy brings me to the bus and says Have a good day in school. I say hi to Anne and get on the bus. Photo

Contingent praise/Non-contingent acceptance Frequent behavioral checks Checklists for behavior Use positive phrases Remain calm Music Token Economy Buddy System Choice Boards

Where we have been… Learn Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) basics – characteristics, prevalence, communication Hear words of persons with Autism See parents perspective Find out about strategies for making the bus ride safer Talk about working with schools

Though shalt: 1.Know your students 2.Take your students perspectives 3.Not expect them to take yours 4.Always look beyond behaviors 5.Avoid standards they cannot meet. 6.Rendering the appropriate support 7.Fade back prompts 8.Seek out information 9.Leave your egos at the bus door 10.Perform your duties mindfully