TEAM AUTISM Committee for Seamless Services After Age 21
Jan 19, 2016
TEAM AUTISM
Committee for Seamless Services After Age 21
Proactive planning is essential for individuals who have autism
May require thinking outside the box
Flexible & individualized practice approaches
Focus on prioritizing risks most likely to occur
1) Review historical patterns in terms of crisis response, prevention, intervention, stabilization & recovery
2) Evaluate potential areas of risk using caregiver interview and risk assessment tools
3) Select situation most likely to occur
4) Provide ample opportunity for team members to consider ramifications of such event regarding phases of prevention, intervention and recovery
- designate roles- assign duties- give team members permission to skip
perfection
Share ideas regarding preventionShare ideas regarding interventionShare ideas regarding recoveryGain consensus to measure how
“crisis” is defined for the individualDevelop behavioral support plans to
help the person copeTeach coping strategies on an
ongoing basis
• Envision the crisis event happening• Imagine how the person is reacting as
strategies are implemented• Imagine what staff are doing• What potential problems do you
encounter?• What if anything can you see that you
need that you can not access quickly?• What can you accomplish easily?• What requires considerable effort?• What stands out as something that you
need help with during intervention?
•What needs does this person have for routine?
•What needs exist for provider relief?•When is stress most likely to lead to a crisis situation?
•What actions during intervention may increase stress?
•What changes would be necessary in a crisis situation?
Using likert scale rating, how stressful are the following factors for this individual? ▪ Change in identity of caregiver▪ Change in daily schedule▪ Change in location of belongings▪ Change in weather▪ Change in noise or activity levels▪ Change in lighting▪ Requests/Demands for activity▪ Other _______________________
• List a potential resolution for identified concern.i.e. Change in caregiver = High Stress
How to Resolve a change in caregiver? - Practice specific social script for coping with change - Introduce service participants to new caregivers during socialization
rather than immediate immersion in caregiver role- Pair new caregiver with old caregiver for shadow work so new caregiver
can learn to mimic preferred supports - Have favorite or most trusted caregiver provide initial
introductions and tips for successful interaction
- Collaborate with first responders.
For example, schedule a tour of crisis respite sites, recruit a local police officer to join the team, offer training for paramedics……
CONCERNS• Self identity• Functional
milestones • Total lifestyle
change• New social
demands• Coping with
anxiety and fear• Looking back at
achievements• Looking forward at
new goals
POTENTIAL AIDS• Receptive &
expressive language skills
• Communication methods for life review
• Opportunity to maintain historical social bonds
• Support for gradual transitions using desensitization
• Lots of praise & reinforcement
• May vary from person to person• Planning, discussion, practice & relief• Verbally recognize change when it happens• Use photographs to increase understanding,
comprehension and clarity• Practice making changes in small increments• Verbally acknowledge losses, gains &
differences• Gradually fade out old stimuli as it is replaced
more with new stimuli• Role model client-specific coping techniques
Beginning at Age 14 Meet with School Personnel Develop initial relationships with
community resource providers by requesting information, tours, and comparing service options
Complete community resource eligibility applications
Determine education tracking path Communicate changes to providers
• Community based services may empower your young adult to remain at home or move into an individualized support setting with daily staff
• Explore all behavioral health care, home health care, personal care, and independent living options within your region
• Apply for Housing and Urban Development assistance
• Residential options require annual approval & renewal of eligibility to determine the level of service
• Familiarize yourself with Behavioral Health Services policies such as Policy 8114- Change in Residence Policy