Strategies for Parents Understanding what works for children with autism

Kids with autism have difficulties with… Parent's Meeting Kids with autism have difficulties with… Sensory Communication Behavior They all work together Scales Technology Academy SEALS

Parent's Meeting Sensory Systems Scales Technology Academy SEALS

Parent's Meeting Scales Technology Academy SEALS

Communication Next comes…. Now that we know how to meet their Parent's Meeting Next comes…. Communication Now that we know how to meet their sensory needs, their minds and bodies are ready to learn. Scales Technology Academy SEALS

What is Communication? An exchange of information Receptive Expressive Parent's Meeting What is Communication? An exchange of information Receptive Understanding what is said. Expressive What a person is able to express. Scales Technology Academy SEALS

Encouraging Understanding Parent's Meeting Receptive Language Encouraging Understanding Simplify Language Wait - for processing Reduce language when child is stressed or upset Support language with visuals Scales Technology Academy SEALS

Why Visual Supports are Important Parent's Meeting Receptive Language Why Visual Supports are Important Concrete Focuses Attention Reduces Anxiety Seeing is Believing Scales Technology Academy SEALS

INDEPENDENTLY Everyone needs a way to communicate needs and wants in Parent's Meeting Expressive Language Everyone needs a way to communicate needs and wants in every environment… INDEPENDENTLY Scales Technology Academy SEALS

Why do we communicate? Expressive Language To request To refuse Parent's Meeting Expressive Language Why do we communicate? To request To refuse To get attention To comment To give information To seek information To express feelings Scales Technology Academy SEALS

Forms of Expressive Communication Parent's Meeting Forms of Expressive Communication Tantrums Physical - Leading you by the hand Gestures - Pointing Object Communication Picture Communication Words Sign Language Written Expression Scales Technology Academy SEALS

How do we encourage expressive language? Parent's Meeting Expressive Language How do we encourage expressive language? Use what is motivating Favorite Foods Favorite Toys Favorite Activities Scales Technology Academy SEALS

How do we encourage expressive language? Parent's Meeting Expressive Language How do we encourage expressive language? Require Requests and LOTS of Practice “I want ___________, please.” Scales Technology Academy SEALS

Promote Interactions that Encourage Communication Parent's Meeting Promote Interactions that Encourage Communication You know he wants a cookie when he points at the cupboard. It’s easy to give him a cookie. To encourage language practice, require that he ask for a cookie. Food, toys and activities are very motivating After learning to request, your child can learn to make comments about his world. I want __________. I see___________. Scales Technology Academy SEALS

When teaching communication, “fade out” the prompts Parent's Meeting When teaching communication, “fade out” the prompts Start at your child’s current level Your child points at a cookie Say, “What do you want?” Physical prompt + Verbal Model Touch symbols, say words Verbal Model - “I want a cookie, please” Partial Verbal Model - “I want_________.” Help child articulate words correctly by pointing at your mouth during your verbal model. Scales Technology Academy SEALS

What can happen if we do not encourage communication? Parent's Meeting What can happen if we do not encourage communication? Behavior Problems Scales Technology Academy SEALS

Behavior Next comes…. Now that we know how to encourage Parent's Meeting Next comes…. Behavior Now that we know how to encourage communication, let’s use it when dealing with behavior…. Scales Technology Academy SEALS

Parent's Meeting Even when our kids do not use words, they communicate with their behavior: The child’s perspective… I do not want to… try a new food get dressed go to bed If I scream, I will get what I want. The parent’s perspective… I want you to… eat healthy food get dressed for school the bus will be here in 3 minutes! go to bed it’s 11pm! Scales Technology Academy SEALS

Ideas to help improve behaviors Parent's Meeting Ideas to help improve behaviors Manage Sensory Needs Encourage Communication Use Visuals Simplify Language Establish predictable routines Use rewards to reinforce appropriate behavior Immediately praise for attempts at appropriate behavior Scales Technology Academy SEALS

More Ideas to help improve behaviors Parent's Meeting More Ideas to help improve behaviors Offer warnings for transitions - “2 minutes until bedtime.” Use “First - Then” statements/visuals Offer choices - Do you want the red or blue shirt? Use “Social Stories” Use “Say OK.” Be consistent Scales Technology Academy SEALS

Parent's Meeting All done! ; ) Scales Technology Academy SEALS