Autism Spectrum DisorderBehaviour Strategies

Thursday 7th NovemberOaklands School

What is Autistic Spectrum Disorder?

People with ASD experience the world differently

Making sense of the world can be difficult

They may confuse or misinterpret things they see or hear

Desire for sameness

The Autistic SpectrumTriad of impairments

Social Interaction

Social Communication Social imagination/flexibilty of thought

What is it that your child does differently?

Different behaviours?

Repetitive actions?

Obsessions?

Sensory likes or dislikes?

Interpreting Communication Difficulties with language – speaking and

understanding Difficulties with interaction; social skills Sensory sensitivities Mindblindness

Frustration Anxiety

Withdrawal

Adjust Your Communication

Reduce Your language

Encourage eye-contact

Give time to process

Use child’s name first

Scenario:Reducing your language~

“ Zoë I need you to sit down at the table and eat your dinner and remember to use your knife and fork”

“Zoë sit” (show where you want Zoë to sit)“Zoë eat” ( model using knife and fork)

Adjust Your Communication

Say things in the order in which they will happen

Use ‘then’ for sequencing

Give clear, limited choices

Tell them what to do, rather than what not to do

Examples First & Then cards

Choice cards

Getting dressed cards

Visual systems

Use of signs and symbols- Makaton, PECS, pictures, photos, signs, objects

Reward systems –immediate feedback and small, achievable steps

Use ‘finished’

Prepare for ‘change’

Examples: Visual Timetables

Indicate change and talk through before hand.

I am working towards reward charts

Visual Cues – No biting, ‘Stop’ sign on cupboards

Sanctions – warning systems

Sand timers – clear visual time limit for rewards and sanctions

General Hints Rewarded behaviour = repeated behaviour

What motivates may be unusual

Timing is important (rewards and sanctions)

Small, easy steps

‘Backwards chaining’ for sequential tasks

Be consistent- Talk to school

What do we use in school? Each child is different.

Communicate with your child’s class teacher.

Dealing with Behaviour (Anxiety/Frustration)

Why?Autistic Spectrum Disorder

How do I deal with a situation?

Adjust your language Visual prompts Be consistent

Stay calm

What is your child trying to tell you?