1. Helpful Autism Tools and Supports

2. At your tables, write and discuss… TANGIBLE THINGS What TANGIBLE THINGS would we find in your “Bag of Tricks” that would help you to make it through the Judson Center Summer Program?

3. TIMES UP! Now Let’s see what you came up with… Fidgets Swings Timers PECS First then charts Karate Pads Running shoes Games Break room Music Schedule Hands-on activities Ipad Edibles Behavior Plans

4. Give an example of when you used the items in your bag of tricks. What did you use? How did you use it? Did it work? Did it not?

5. Which item from your bag of tricks do you use the most? Discuss with the people at your tables

6. What do you do when you’ve used every item in your bag of tricks?

7. INTANGIBLE What are the INTANGIBLE things in your bag of tricks?  Patience  Silliness  Flexibility  Creativity  Communication  Gestures  Kindness  Understanding  Compassion  Organization

9. Communication (non-verbal, gestural, visual communicator, receptive vs. expressive)  PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System)  Schedules  Communication devices (NOVA, Ipads…)

10. Tools for Communication Simple language Wait 30-45 seconds for processing Offer choices Be aware of how you sound

11. Social Supports Use child’s/teen’s interests to engage them with you and others Make being with others FUN! Limit amount of “Solo” time Social Stories

12. Sensory Supports ( sensory input = regulated, even, and calm) Individuals with ASD have difficulty processing sensory input/output TACTILE VESTIBULAR (aka movement) AUDITORY VISUAL ORAL

13. Sensory Strategies Sensory Systems: Tactile System – Tactile Solutions Alerting: light touch, unexpected touch, varying textures Calming: Deep pressure, slow stroking, expected touch – Tactile Sensory Tools: Buckets with beans, rice, sand, packing peanuts Shaving cream, finger paint, playdoh Vibration Hot and cold sensations Ace wrap, lycra, body sacks Texture play like slime and ooze Squeeze toys and fidgets Brushing, massage, lotion

14. Sensory Strategies Sensory Systems: Proprioceptive System – Proprioceptive Solutions Alerting: fast paced, arrhythmic, quick changes Calming: Slow stretch and pressure and heavy resistance – Proprioceptive Sensory Tools: Theraputty, theraband, and play-doh Weighted vest Stuffed animals on the lap Vibration pens or toys Carrying books or weights around Fidget toys Heavy jobs Chair push-ups Joint Compressions/Hand Hugs Deep Pressure Games

15. Sensory Strategies Sensory Systems: Vestibular System – Vestibular Solutions Alerting: use fast movements Calming: use slow, rhythmic movements – Tactile Sensory Tools: Swinging, spinning, rolling Rocking Chair Playground equipment: slides, swings, etc. Walking breaks Aerobics, movement time Jumping

16. Sensory Strategies Sensory Systems: Auditory System – Auditory Solutions Alerting: unexpected noises, fast and loud Calming: slow, rhythmic, quiet music or sounds – Auditory Sensory Tools: Listening stations with books on tapes or music Tapes with environmental sounds, white noise, classical music Fluctuating or distracting noises Loud banging toys, sound toys, blow toys Singing, chanting, counting during therapy

17. Sensory Strategies Sensory Systems: Visual System – Visual Solutions Alerting: great contract, bright colors or lights, moving or flashing lights Calming: expected lights, calm colors, rhythmic visual stimulation – Visual Sensory Tools: Visual Charts of schedules Visual cues Reading stations Soft lighting, lava lamps Visual stimulation toys Fish tank Bright lights or bright colors Pinwheels bubbles, bubble wands Slants Boards – work on the vertical

18. Sensory Strategies Sensory Systems: Oral Motor System – Oral Motor Solutions Alerting: sweet, salty, spicy, whistles, cold Calming: mint, rhythmic, singing, chanting, mushy, soft, warm – Oral Motor Sensory Tools: Blowing Toys: bubbles, pinwheels, cotton balls, etc. Licking: ice cream, popsicles, lollipops Varying foods: crunchy, chewy, sweet, spicy, sour, etc. Chew Toys, bubble gum, etc.

19. Sensory Strategies Sensory Tips for Summer – Provide access to sensory tools in the classroom – Provide sensory breaks when needed – Create daily activities that incorporate sensory play into the activity – Be aware of sensory needs that may be behavioral triggers

20. Remember to… Actively engage (BE it and DO it!) Break it down Get to know the kids/teens! Celebrate success Provide organized structure Be fair, firm and FUN! Don’t hesitate to ASK QUESTIONS!