Providing Services to

Individuals with Autism

Cresanna Kahrl

–Stephen Shore

“If you've met one person with autism,

- you've met one person with autism.”

Autism severity varies widely -

• Classic - non-verbal, little interest

in others, severe behaviors

• Mild - social challenges, but can

usually learn to live independently

Source: nationalautismresources.com

• Autism is the most commonly diagnosed

childhood developmental disorder.

• Individuals with autism have difficulties

with socializing, communicating, and

managing their behavior.

Source: nationalautismresources.com

What to Expect

• May not greet you

• Poor eye contact

• Limited social skills

• May be non-verbal or have only a few

words

• May not be toilet trained

Building Rapport

• Ask

• Observe

• Imitate

• Experiment

Understanding Stims

• Repetitive

behaviors when

excited or to self-

soothe

• Rocking, flapping

arms, hitting self,

head banging, etc

• Varying from

almost unnoticeable

to severely harmful

• May "zone out" and

seem unaware of

others

Behavior Challenges

• Elopement

• Sensory Defensiveness

Elopement

• May be unaware of

danger

• May run away if

given opportunity

• May not respond to

his name if called

Elopement Strategies

• Ask questions

• Stay alert

• Handholding (with children)

• Avoid chasing unless safety is at risk

• Use distraction or a reinforcer

Sensory Dysfunction

• Over- or under-

sensitivity to sound,

light, smell, flavor,

textures, etc

• May become easily

overstimulated by

busy environments

Sensory Strategies

• Be aware of their triggers

• Be aware of the environment

• Reduce stimuli

• Take breaks

• Be supportive

"The most important thing people

did for me was to expose me to

new things."

- Dr. Temple Grandin

Video Reference

Noah – “Grocery Store Outing” (Real Look Autism)

Liv – “Liv”ing with Autism as a Teen – Community

Outing (3 Cs Therapy LLC)