Autism Spectrum Disorder and Recreation

Autism Spectrum Disorder and Recreation

Autism Society of McLean County

www.autismmclean.org

Who We Are

We are a group of parents , teachers, and other

professionals who want to make a difference in the lives

of our kids and adults

with autism

Odds:

Of a child becoming a professional athlete – 1 in 16,000

Of a child being diagnosed with Autism – 1 in 50

What is Autism

Spectrum disorder: skills and abilities vary greatly

All will be affected by deficits in communication and social skills

Autism is a social communication disorder

AutismPDD-NOS Asperger’s Syndrome

Autism Spectrum Disorders

Most individuals with autism will also have sensory issues They may be hyper (over) or hypo (under) sensitive to:

Sights Sounds Touch Taste Smell

In the beginning (1943 – 75)

Had no feelings Were mentally retarded Could not be educated Could not learn self help

skills Should be institutionalized

The belief was that people with autism:

…and that autism was caused by cold uncaring mother’s (known as refrigerator mother’s)

The beginning of change (1976 – 95)

Could be trained to do menial jobs Were mentally retarded Could learn basic academic skills Could not develop relationships (friendships) Should be institutionalized Could be educated separate from their peers

People started to believe that individuals with autism:

…and that autism was not caused by uncaring mother’s, but was genetic in nature

LRE

What we know today

Are unique and individual, just like everyone else Early detection and intervention can make all of the

difference in successful life outcomes Individuals with autism do make friends and develop long

term relationships Not only learn academically; but have average intelligence

and many go on to finish college and hold major degrees Many individuals with autism can lead independent lives,

both with and without supports

Individuals with autism

…There is likely a combination of contributing factors to the onset of autism including genetics/environmental agents

AutismAffects 4 males to 1 femalePrevalence for autism is 1 in 50Most cases have no known cause or

cureCost of autism over the lifespan is

3.2 million per person

Recreation & Social Opportunities

Day Camp Sensory-friendly movies Open gym Community Outings:

Space Camp Upper Limits

Organized Social & Recreational Opportunities: Drama Camp Cheerleading Camp Basketball Skills Camp Baseball Skills Camp Flag Football Camp Soccer Camp Bowling League

Why Recreation To promote a healthy lifestyle Increase self-esteem Same opportunities as peers Skill building Motor development Social interactions Life skills - Understanding and following rules

Outcomes Children feel a “part” of something Many have developed friendships outside of the activities Self-esteem increases Enhanced skills Developed understanding of “team” play Older individuals have found a place helping

others on the spectrum Families feel a part of a community, more

involved Increased expectations from parents (they

see what their kids can do)

Challenges Communication Auditory processing Behaviors Self-esteem Understanding concept of competition Complication of rules Lack of motor abilities Attention span Motivation Executive functioning/planning Individual differences

Supports Visual Supports

Picture schedules & cues Reward boards Social Stories

Don’t demand eye contact (processing) Have child repeat instructions (if capable) Model expectations Don’t be afraid to make demands Be prepared for and schedule breaks Peer buddy models Prepare child for transitions Sensory considerations (environment) Willing to use parents and volunteers (be directive) Praise and reward Stair-step to the goal

Visual StrategiesAll people use visual

aids/strategies.Visual aids help us to

understand our environment. Think about being in a foreign

country. For example: In Germany, how can you find the bathroom at the airport?

PECs

Picture Schedule

Social Stories™ Developed by Carol Gray to teach basic social skills. Social Stories™ are a tool used to establish

replacement social skills for both children and adults with autism.

Social Stories™ are short, straightforward descriptions of social situations which provide details of what a person might expect from a situation, and describes what may be expected of the person.

Though they do not necessarily fix the problem, a Social Story™ gives a person information about social situations they find difficult or confusing.

Pinterest/YouTube – great examples to personalize

QUESTIONS?

Jill Enchelmayer, President2404 E. Empire, Suite 231Bloomington, Illinois 61702

info@autismmclean.org

www.autismmclean.org

Autism Society of McLean County