Autism Spectrum Disorder Behaviour Strategies Thursday 7 th November Oaklands School
Dec 18, 2015
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
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