SERVICES FOR EARLY LEARNERS ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM
Play - it's what kids do. It's how they learn that when someone yells "you can't catch me!" they are expected to come running. Or that when you smile at someone, they smile back. For most kids on the autism spectrum this process doesn't come naturally. Communication, play, social, and self-help skills often need to be explicitly taught.
My goal is to help families find an effective way to teach their children. I start by developing a fun, playful, and trusting relationship with your child. Once that rapport is established and I get a good feel for the things that your child enjoys, we are ready to start more structured play (work) sessions. But don't think that just because we are working, we will stop having fun. I have been known to conduct an entire session from a pop-up tent in the shape of Thomas the Train - all aboard!!!
FUNCTIONAL COMMUNICATION
This is the most vital skill we can teach. Once children understand that using appropriate communication (words, pictures, gestures, signs) can get them what they want, inappropriate behaviors become less functional. Using strategies from Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), communication skills are taught in a meaningful way in situations where motivation is high. Errorless learning is used to maximize successful experiences.
PLAY & SOCIAL SKILLS
The social domain, by definition, is an area of challenge for children on the autism spectrum. Individualized programs are created for each child starting at a comfortable, familiar level. As early skills are mastered, higher level skills are introduced. For maximum generalization, social skills are first taught in adult/child pairs, then practiced in child/child pairs and eventually in small groups. Faciliated play groups and trips to recreational areas in your community are an important (and fun!) part of the learning process.
SELF-HELP SKILLS
Getting any child to perform self-care tasks can be challenging! By breaking down routines into their smallest components and chaining these steps together, children can experience success and take pride in their new found independence!
I started this web-counter on 8/9/08. If any ads pop-up around here, please use the contact form to let me know. Thanks! -Julie