Autism Spectrum Disorder

What?

For ELT this week we learnt about Autism Spectrum Disorder with Michele Blick who is a registered psychologist.

So what?

The presentation covered:

• Diagnosis of ASD - criteria, time, benefits
• Areas of challenge - interpersonal, language, behaviour, affect, cognition, sensory sensitivity, physical condition
• Providing support in the school setting

Now what?

If I have a learner with ASD I need to identify student’s current skill level and plan next steps to extend skills:

1. Provide a highly structured and visually supported environment. Clear, well organised and with minimal change.

2. Provide prompts to encourage the student to use schedules and timetables. Provide structure and support transitions. 

3. Independent use of timetables and transition. Increased presentation of problem-solving opportunities, choice, change and creativity. Decrease use of prompts and increase use of newly developing skills.

4. Move towards group timetable rather than individual. Less structured timetable with  increased opportunities for more complex social interactions, learning, problem-solving and creativity. Increased opportunities for choice. Independent use of visuals as needed.

5. Less structured timetable and activities. Minimum use of prompts and support. Increased independence and use of self-management strategies.