| 1. Assume Competence It used to be thought that 80% of individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder were mentally retarded! Now it is believed to be only 30% or less! Assume your child CAN do something, do not assume that he cannot do it. If at first you don't succeed, make it more visual. 2. Prepare Ahead -calenders, schedules, allow for "turn around time" -use signals or icons to indicate changes in the routine (such as a neon "CHANGE" card she kept in her purse to pull out if there was an unforseen change to the routine) 3. Have A Schedule -Diagrams, Maps, written instructions -Review verbally, but put in writing -Give them information!!! 4. Teaching Options -Grading Options -what's the priority? -Homework - eliminate or reduce homework in the IEP!! It is enough that they made it through the day, and they are also learning social skills on top of everything else! Let them have down time at the end of the day. - Project Options, can they do it on the PC instead of struggling with handwriting? Can they do a poerpoint instead of speaking in front of class, ect. - Match curriculum to special interests whenever possible, make sure teacher knows their 'obsessions' or 'special interests' so that she can teach new skills that match the interests 5. Know Your Support Team -Know your team players! (email, extension, birthdays, favorite food was the joke!) - Behavior Problem - look at environment FIRST, Visuals SECOND - Peers are fabulous teachers! 6. Have Typical Peers Around For Modeling & Friendship -We want to have friends, we just dont know how! - NOT just girls, boys need to learn BOY social skills from other BOYS (example: girl might teach him to go up to a boy and say "That's a cute shirt you have on") - Need projects to share, common interests (such as a video game, or electric trains) so they do not have as much pressure to "talk" to the other child 7. Be Aware Of Sensory Needs - Take breaks! -seasonal challenges, are they getting worse in the winter? encourage activity - may struggle to process all senses at once 8. Ensure Time Alone To Relax - Take breaks! -provide a "safe" place where they can be alone - During a meltdown, do not try to TEACH! 9. Have A Communication System Available - Communication System should support the child's WORST day, in case they have a bad day - NEVER EVER EVER SAY "But he's done so well with the schedule, he doesn't need it anymore!" (The reason he has done so well is because of the shedule!!!) - In times of stress, language decreases 10. Have Fun! - Enjoy the innocence, and the honesty, and the sweetness of your child! - Take time for sillyness, keep up your sense of humor! - Thank you "Hope" (prettymommy00) for sharing this with us -
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