1 Web-Based Training for Foster/Adoptive Parents Parenting a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Center for Development of Human Services (CDHS) Institute for Community Health Promotion (ICHP) SUNY Buffalo State Welcome © 2014 New York State Office of Children and Family Services.

2 Center for Development of Human Services Institute for Community Health Promotion SUNY Buffalo State _______________________________________ Acknowledgement This material was developed by the Center for Development of Human Services (CDHS), Institute for Community Health Promotion, SUNY Buffalo State under a training and administrative services agreement with the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. Disclaimer While every effort has been made to provide accurate and complete information, the Office of Children and Family Services and the State of New York assume no responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information provided herein and make no representations or warranties about the suitability of the information contained here for any purpose. All information and documents are provided “as is,” without a warranty of any kind. For information about this and other training programs, please visit:

3 Agenda Introduction Defining Autism Spectrum Disorder Causes of ASD Diagnosis Consulting & Working with Professionals Intervention Strategies Moving Forward after Diagnosis © 2014 New York State Office of Children and Family Services.

4 Introductions Name and location in NY Share 1 fact that you know about Autism Spectrum Disorder © 2014 New York State Office of Children and Family Services.

Thoughts and Feelings? © 2014 New York State Office of Children and Family Services. 5

6 What is Autism Spectrum Disorder? © 2014 New York State Office of Children and Family Services.

7 Prevalence © 2014 New York State Office of Children and Family Services.

8 Characteristics of ASD © 2014 New York State Office of Children and Family Services.

Characteristics: Absence/delay of speech or other communication challenges Difficulty relating to others Out-of-ordinary, repetitive behaviors Sensory challenges © 2014 New York State Office of Children and Family Services. 9

10 What Causes ASD? © 2014 New York State Office of Children and Family Services.

11 Diagnosis © 2014 New York State Office of Children and Family Services.

12 Consulting with Professionals © 2014 New York State Office of Children and Family Services.

13 Developmental Pediatrician Child Psychiatrist Clinical Psychologist Occupational Therapist Physical Therapist Speech/language Therapist Social Worker Multidisciplinary Assessment Team © 2014 New York State Office of Children and Family Services.

14 Working with Professionals © 2014 New York State Office of Children and Family Services.

15 Remember the 3 B’s ! Be Informed Be Prepared Be Organized and Communicate © 2014 New York State Office of Children and Family Services.

16 Choosing Interventions © 2014 New York State Office of Children and Family Services.

Intervention Criteria - Educational/Therapy - ASD-specific content Regular intervention activities Family involvement Involved with other children Predictability & established routines Communication skill development © 2014 New York State Office of Children and Family Services. 17

18 Understanding and Evaluating Interventions © 2014 New York State Office of Children and Family Services.

19 Intervention Strategies © 2014 New York State Office of Children and Family Services.

Strategies Involve child in taking turns Encourage child to join peer playing with a favored toy Use pictures and charts Use short, simple directions Reduce excess stimulation & distraction Look at communicative intent © 2014 New York State Office of Children and Family Services. 20

21 Moving Forward after Diagnosis © 2014 New York State Office of Children and Family Services.

Basic Steps 1. Learn as much as possible 2. Network 3. Test, test, test! 4. Investigate sources of financial aid 5. Consider major lifestyle changes 6. Set up educational/behavioral program 7. Begin therapies 8. Address diet and nutrition 9. Don’t give up – Attitude is everything! © 2014 New York State Office of Children and Family Services. 22

10 Things Every Child with ASD Wishes You Knew: I am first and foremost a child. My sensory perceptions are distorted. Please remember to distinguish between won’t and can’t. I am a concrete thinker. I interpret language very literally. Please be patient with my limited vocabulary. © 2014 New York State Office of Children and Family Services. 23

Ellen Notbohn Because language is so difficult for me, I am very visually oriented. Please focus and build on what I can do, not what I can’t. Please help me with social interactions. Try to identify what triggers my meltdowns. Love me unconditionally. © 2014 New York State Office of Children and Family Services. 24

25 The End. Thank You! © 2014 New York State Office of Children and Family Services.