a practical approach to grandparenting children with autism

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A Practical Approach

Grand-parenting

Children with Autism

+My girls…

+Leah

+Facts about Autism

•Autism now affects 1 in 88 children and 1 in 54 boys

•Difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors

•Causes: Genetic disposition is the loaded gun, environmental toxins is the trigger

•Many have sensory processing issues (especially tactile, auditory, vestibular (movement), proprioception (body in space)

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What is it like to have Autism

+Finding Balance (3 Components to ALWAYS keep in mind)

Feel in Control

Predictable Calming

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Every child is different and their needs are not alikeWe look at the sensory needs for the child and the goal for the room.We then actually use the environment to promote the “just right” arousal level.

Designing for the Senses

+Bedroom Bedrooms can have dual purpose of play and for sleep.

You want to make it their little nest. Their own space!

Predictable: Establish a bedtime routine Try to have as many items from home as possible (buy 2 of the same)

Feel in control: Rules (clear expectations) with Visual cue such as clock at 7:00

you can get up. Give choices ex: what book to read

Calming: weighted blankets, massage, transition item, dim lighting,

Melatonin slow release

+Sensory Room

+Create a nook!!

+Nooks and more Nooks!

+Nooks!!

+Tee Pee

+Calming Lights and Sounds

+Weighted Blanket

+Body Pillows!!

+Stuffed, cushy toys!!

+Lava Lamps!!

+Rocking Chair - Motion

+Soothing colors and textures

+Soft

+Canopies and covers

+CALMING

Provide calming activities throughout the day Weighted items and Activities ex: bean bags,

snake Heavy ex: push and pull carts Resistive ex: spider clothespins, putty Repetitive ex: ABC, beading, stacking legos Centering ex: sit ups, crawl in tunnel, tent Pressure ex: massage, push joints

+PREDICTABLE

Establish a routine (this might take some time) Try to maintain same routine as at home Use a visual schedule!!! This is a GREAT tool!

Use it actively! First do a trial run at your home without sleeping

over Make sure that the family has prepared them all

week for a visit with you Stay ORGANIZED! (Stick to the schedule)

+MAKE THEM FEEL IN CONTROL

Help them feel in control by giving them choices

Not more than 2-3 choices at a time Use the FIRST and THEN card when needed

+Community

General Things to Keep in Mind when choosing activities outside the home:

Choose familiar places and activities (not time to try new things)

Choose activities that are easy to terminate if need be ex: Don’t go on boat ride if they can’t get off at ease

Bring calming item or preferred item ex: ipad

Most do not like the movies (dark, loud, too long)

Avoid crowds and loud places like ball games. Consider using earphones

Bring items to facilitate communication

ex: First and Then

+Drawing from Memory

+Best Activities for Children with Autism

Keep in mind that they are children like everyone else!

Organized activities work best ex: art group, special sports, bowling, yoga

Going to the park (instead of free play, do an obstacle course)

Swings (some love it some hate it…ground them after swinging)

Find small group activities for Special Needs children in the community

+Famous Faces of Autism

+Jenny Mcarthy’s son

+Actress Darryl Hannah

+Sylvester Stallone’s son

+Famous People with AutismSatoshi Tajiri Inventor of Pokemon

+Famous People with AutismEinstein

+Famous People with AutismVincent Van Gogh

+Famous People with AutismMozart

+Famous People with Autism

Emily Dickinson Poet

Emily Dickinson Poet

+Isaac Newton

+Famous People with Autism

Emily Dickinson Poet

Thomas Jefferson

+Famous People with Autism

+Great Community Resources

www.umcard.org

www.asabroward.org

www.autismspeaks.org (Resource Guide)

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