FAQautism

Because most of us just join into group activities naturally, we are not aware of the vast array of prerequisite skills necessary to do so. In addition to dealing with issues surrounding transition, compliance, peer interaction, and sensory overload, individuals with autism must be aware of and follow commonly understood unwritten group rules. Listen Now: [...]

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Some individuals with autism simply do not participate in group activities and others only do so reluctantly. Many issues related to autism stand in the way of social interaction, including things such as an aversion to unfamiliar people and unfamiliar situations, extreme sensitivity to touch or sounds, disinterest in other people, or a tendency toward [...]

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How can a teacher help a non-verbal 5-year-old diagnosed with autism learn to participate in group activities in a pre-school class? Currently, the youngster seems content playing with certain toys or working alone in learning centers in the classroom. When asked to come to the group activity, he responds with screaming, kicking, and biting. Among [...]

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Part 1 of the Circle Time discussion outlined all aspects of a challenging situation submitted by a teacher of a pre-school class of children with special needs. Today’s podcast focuses on some possible solutions to the problems surrounding circle time in her classroom. The immediate goal is to decrease emotional melt-downs by a 5-year-old diagnosed [...]

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A pre-school teacher of over a dozen young students with special needs asked for some ideas for decreasing disruptions during circle time in her classroom. Of particular concern is the behavior of a 5-year-old diagnosed with autism. “When teachers attempt to have him follow the daily routine on his picture schedule and come to circle [...]

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After graduation from high school, some individuals with autism will choose to live at home with their families. Some will get jobs or go to college, and others will need significant daily support. What are some factors families can consider to help maximize the well-being and potential of individuals with autism who require significant support? [...]

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Sometimes the solution to a problem is right in front of our eyes. For example, if I cannot resist eating chocolate bars as a late night snack, the most logical solution is to keep chocolate bars out of the house. Likewise, if a toddler with autism swallows earrings and paperclips, those objects must be stored [...]

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Sometimes we hear of incredible breakthroughs for people with autism Television often features individuals who have been “cured” of autism or who have excelled in music, art, sports, or academics. We might read of a non-verbal person who suddenly begins talking. Or an extremely withdrawn student in our child’s classroom may suddenly start interacting with [...]

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