FAQautism

A special education teacher and I were discussing the negative reaction of several of her students with autism to the fire alarm signal at school. As the discussion progressed, we both realized that the entire school day is filled with sounds that are probably very disconcerting to individuals diagnosed with autism. She asked me to spend a few hours in her classroom to take a “Sound Inventory” so she could make plans to make the auditory environment more pleasing and less irritating to her students, especially those with autism.

Standard Podcast [ 4:54 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

16 June 2007

A dad and grandmother of a four-year-old non-verbal boy diagnosed with autism were discussing bedtime routines. Since the youngster was easily agitated by change and struggles with explosive behavior, they realized he would do better with a regular, predictable bedtime routine. But they didn’t really know where to start.

Standard Podcast [ 4:57 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

15 June 2007

A small group of parents of youngsters with autism requested some ideas for family spring break activities. The youngsters, from 7 to 12 years old, spanned a broad range of abilities and disabilities. “We want to do something special to celebrate the holiday, but our work schedules keep us from taking long trips. We need ideas that don’t stretch our family budgets or our time too thin.”

Standard Podcast [ 4:32 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

14 June 2007

A single parent of a pre-teen girl diagnosed with autism asked for some ideas for encouraging her youngster to get some exercise. The young lady is a bit self-absorbed and rarely initiates action, but usually follows directions from her mom rather mechanically. “I just need some ideas for helping her get moving around the house,” said the mom. “I’m usually bushed at the end of the day.”

Standard Podcast [ 4:45 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

13 June 2007

Several parents of my music therapy students were discussing the fact that other children in the family are required to do chores around the house, but – in many cases – children with autism and other disabilities are not asked to pitch in. They asked for some ideas for appropriate chores for their pre-teen boys.

Standard Podcast [ 4:02 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

12 June 2007

The father of a young adult with autism who has been involved in music therapy for almost 20 years was telling me a story that illustrated the need for concrete, specific communication, especially with individuals with autism. Dad said, “I really lost my temper last weekend when I asked my son to put his clothes in the dryer. He just looked at me, started smiling, and ran outside to play with his dog.” The dad went on to say, “I was really angry that he had just ignored my direction to put his clothes in the dryer, but, fortunately, I took a minute to review in my mind what I had said to him. I realized that the words I actually spoke were ‘Put your clothes in the dryer then you can go outside and play with your dog.’ My son wasn’t tuned into the first part of the sentence, but he heard the last part of the sentence loud and clear!”

Standard Podcast Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

11 June 2007

A mother and teen-aged sister were discussing their daily family life and looking for ideas to break out of the drudgery of the daily routine. Their son and brother is an 18-year-old diagnosed with autism. He has some functional language and is able to take care of some of his personal needs. He gets agitated when there are variations in his daily schedule, but the routine can get monotonous for other family members.

Standard Podcast [ 4:14 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

10 June 2007

A teacher and parent of an 8-year-old girl diagnosed with autism were discussing the challenges of caregiving. The mother commented, “It seems like all I say is ‘don’t do this’ or ‘don’t do that.” The teacher concurred, saying, “It is like putting out little brush fires all day long!” The podcast gives examples of directions stated in positive terms, allowing caregivers to decrease the frustration of saying “Don’t.”

Standard Podcast [ 3:40 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

09 June 2007

“My son refuses to eat fruits and vegetables,” said parent of a young man who has been coming to music therapy for about 8 years. He is a pre-teen diagnosed with autism. My friend is non-verbal and has limited cognitive abilities. His mom said, “He doesn’t like to try new foods or new textures in foods, but I’m concerned about his overall health. I’m looking for ideas to add fruits and veggies in his diet.”

Standard Podcast [ 3:52 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

08 June 2007