Autism – Page 22 – Down Syndrome with a Slice of Autism

Blog #84~ Resource Links Related to Down syndrome and Autism

Posted on February 17, 2014September 9, 2019 by Teresa Unnerstall

Blog #84~ Resource Links Related to Down syndrome and Autism

Today is President’s Day, so there is no school. My ability to focus and write is hindered by interruptions from Nick who is making loud mooing noises, pushing the fan button on the microwave, dropping things behind the TV and watching “The Other Guys” while tapping a can of tennis balls against his mouth. Yes, that’s a slice of Down syndrome and autism here this morning………

So this week I’ve included my favorite resource links related to Down syndrome and autism:

Down syndrome links:

www.ndss.org The National Down Syndrome Society is the national advocate for the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.

www.ndsccenter.org The country’s oldest national organization for people with Down syndrome, their families and the professionals who work with them.

www.nads.org NADS is the National Association for Down syndrome and a solid support group in the Chicago area. There is also more links for dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism here (including a complete list with signs and symptoms for parents wondering if their child has more than just Down syndrome).

www.gigiplayhouse.org Down syndrome Awareness Centers all over the Midwest and expanding to New York, NY and Mexico. These centers provide play, fitness and social groups.

www.noahsdad.com This site is invaluable for parents who have a baby or child with Down syndrome. There is some great information and useful tips and links and positively focused. It is one of my favorite websites.

www.futureofdowns.com Run by parents of children with Down’s syndrome. Covers a wide range of topics regarding babies and children with Down’s syndrome, pregnant and in need of advice on screening and tests or have just received a positive diagnosis following an amnio or CVS.

Autism Links:

www.facebook.com/autismdiscussionpage This page was developed by Bill Nason, MS, LLP to discuss tools that help children on the spectrum. This is one of my favorite links related to autism.

www.autismspeaks.org Autism Speaks provides information and advocacy and good general information and links.

www.autism-society.org The Autism Society improves the lives of all affected by autism through education, advocacy, services, research and support.

www.tacanow.org Talk About Curing Autism and has a ton of links and articles along with coffee groups.

www.brianraymondking.com Brian King teaches his proven methods to individuals and their parents across the country in a private one-on-one format using the latest technology. He writes a variety of articles, is an author, speaker and trainer for schools, parents and support groups.

www.bridges4kids.org Great resources for special needs families. One of my favorite go to sites.

www.myautismteam.com Parents share daily trials, triumphs, questions and recommendations

www.mayer-johnson.com Boardmaker software for assistive technology/AAC devices

www.teeach.com Information on TEEACH materials

www.pottytrainingsolutions.com Gathers the most common problems and their solutions to help take the stress out of this major milestone.

www.easterseals.com Easter Seals offers programs, training and equipment for families.

www.specialedadvocacy.org Advocacy site for parents and teachers

Down syndrome and autism links:

www.nickspecialneeds.com My site which provides information on topics specific to a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism including supports, communication and speech/feeding issues, occupational therapy, behavior/ ABA and much more.

www.ds-asd-connection.org Offers good information related to a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism.

www.theupsideofdowns.org Provides support, advocacy and information specific to Down syndrome and autism.

In addition, let me add that there are several Facebook groups directly related to Down syndrome and autism. These groups are a safe place to share information, ask questions, and share the crazy things that our kids with a dual diagnosis do. No one in these FB groups would bat an eye if you posted a picture like this……… (In fact they would hit the like button and add in their own pictures in)…….

There is help out there right at your finger tips. Let me know if you have any more to add in. Thank you for reading and sharing my blog. Now, it’s time to gather up the contents of my purse that Nick decided to dump all over the living room floor. That’s what is in my noggin this week! 🙂

~Teresa

Autism, Down syndrome, Fun Side of Nick

Update~Nick Turns 20

Posted on February 10, 2014February 10, 2014 by Teresa Unnerstall

Update~Nick Turns 20

I can’t believe that Nick turned 20 years old last Friday. It seems like just yesterday that he came into this world.

Nick enjoyed his favorite meal that evening, a big bowl of pasta!

He had a blast at school with a birthday dance party earlier that day. He loved opening his presents. Big guy is convinced that all greeting cards make noise now. Here he is stimming away to the card his Aunt Laura and Uncle Scott sent him.

Last night we went out to dinner with the family. Guess what Nick had to eat? That’s right, another big bowl of pasta. We topped off the evening with a decadent triple chocolate cake! After a evening of gluttony, we settled in to watch The Beatles special.

I have a lot of thoughts floating around in my noggin about the last 20 years, and raising a child with Down syndrome and autism. It’s a mixed bag of emotions~joy, triumph, gratitude, and amusement tossed with fear, sadness, frustration and anger. I’m going reflect for a bit and share at a later date. For now, I will try to get use to the idea that Nick is not a child anymore. Not an easy task given his childish ways. That’s what is in my noggin this week.

~Teresa

Autism, Down syndrome, Speech and Occupational Therapy

Blog #83~Sensory Anchors

Posted on February 3, 2014February 3, 2014 by Teresa Unnerstall

Blog #83~Sensory Anchors

Nick doesn’t play with toys like most kids do. Having Down syndrome and autism has changed the playing field for him. He tends to use many of them to seek out some sensory benefit. For instance, he likes to mound his toys up in one spot…..

Even more fun was piling them on our cat……

The other day he was stacking random objects here and there around the house.

Why do kids with autism, Down syndrome and other sensory related issues play with objects in such different ways?

There are many sensory issues associated with having autism. Their world may get too bombarded with stimulus or feel unpredictable and overwhelming. Finding a way to stay grounded becomes even more of a need when the senses are flooded with too much stimuli. Often a child with sensory issues seeks out comfort in the form of a “sensory anchor” which helps them calm down. These sensory anchors can be a repetitive activity that provides comfort and is soothing for them.

Here are some examples of sensory anchors:

*Lining up toys

*Spinning objects

*Following a line with their eyes

*Sitting in bean bag chair or swinging

*Looking at reflective objects

*Hand flapping

*Rocking back and forth

*Rubbing hands together

*Chewing on sleeves or collar of shirts and other non-food objects

*Smelling things

*Making repetitive sounds with mouth

How many of you have been out in public and notice a person with autism making odd sounds, rocking, or maybe banging on something loudly. These are ways in which they are trying to cope in the world by using sensory anchors. Nick’s include a variety of activities. He often chews on his sleeves and collar of his shirt. Other times he is rocking, hand flapping, and tapping or making sounds with his mouth (that by the way sounds like a cow mooing) 🙂

Nick’s first choice and all-time favorite is tapping a can of tennis balls against his mouth!

Second choice, doing heavy work vacuuming!

I realize that some of these are not acceptable in public, so I try to find alternatives for such occasions. For instance, I will provide deep pressure in the form of hugging to help calm him down. But around the house and in the car, I have to respect his need to do this to help him self-regulate. After all, everyone has some way of doing this whether it’s nail biting, twisting your hair, chewing on a pen, sitting while one leg is fidgeting to stay alert. We all find our own way to decompress after a hectic day, right? What’s your sensory anchor? Music, meditation, exercise, hit the hunting or driving range, X-Box, a bubble bath or glass of wine?

Bottom line, it’s important to provide opportunities for a child with autism and sensory integration issues to get grounded and centered. So if it’s a can of tennis balls, then so be it! That’s what is in my noggin this week.

~Teresa

Autism, Down syndrome

Blog #81~Dreams for the New Year

Posted on January 20, 2014January 5, 2015 by Teresa Unnerstall

Blog #81~Dreams for the New Year

This year I decided on just one resolution. I am going to require more of my self. Oh wait one more……Keep the bird feeders filled up! As I wrote in Blog #79~Reboot 2014, I have a need to start fresh. It’s time to move past the “stuff called life” that got in the way in 2013.

I have to stop making excuses like “I’m too busy to work on my goals and dreams”. So, in all areas of my life I am requiring more of myself. This includes at home, work, writing, personal ambitions and what I expect from Nick (my 19 year old son who has Down syndrome and autism). A good friend of mine gave me a plaque for Christmas which I keep near my laptop. It says this:

“Believe you can, and you’re halfway there.” ~Theodore Roosevelt

I’ve cracked my knuckles; gotten things organized around the house, and feel ready to take on 2014. How about you? What are your dreams for this year? What is going to keep you on track? For me visual cues help, much like the icons that Nick uses to navigate his day……..

My new plaque is a nice reminder to stay on track. All around the house I’ve sprinkled trinkets around for inspiration…….

I know exactly what my sister Laura, is thinking right now. There she goes again, deep thoughts by T!

Nick with his Aunt Laura and Uncle Scott…..

Yes I have a reputation in my family of getting a bit reflective. 🙂

Back to Nick’s world, just what can I do to require more from him? I was thumbing through some files in my organization frenzy recently. I stumbled on a one called “Basic Functional Life Skills Curriculum. I scrolled the list and noted that there many benchmarks he hasn’t met. He still needs help to become more independent in the areas of grooming, dressing, chores, leisure, etc…..

Yes, he’s rocking my high heels while unloading the dishwasher……

I have to remind myself to slow down. I need to let Nick try more of these things on his own with less guidance from me. Take some advice from the guru:

Having a child with Down syndrome and autism means a reliance on a caregiver at all times. I have come to accept this fact, but I am never giving up.

I’m going to require more from myself to help Nick become the best he can be! How about you, what are your dreams for 2014? That’s what is in my noggin this week.

~Teresa

Autism, Down syndrome, Tech Stuff/Apps and Video Based Instruction

Blog #80~Getting Organized Along With My Autistic Child

Posted on January 13, 2014January 13, 2014 by Teresa Unnerstall

Blog #80~ Getting Organized Along With My Autistic Child

Is it odd that I like to have all the labels turned straight in the food pantry and the towels stacked perfectly in the bathroom closet? My hangers might just be color-coded (white=shirts, gray=pants, teal=capri length pants). I wasn’t always so compulsive.

I’ve touched on my theory about this in previous blog posts. Simply this, I need to feel in control in my home and creating order helps keep me grounded. Having a child with Down syndrome and autism under your roof is not exactly a “Zen” environment. Nick’s world can be chaotic. Just go back to the April 2012 archives and read Blog #3~Getting your Goat for a little taste of crazy. 🙂

This is just one of many things Nick has dumped on the floor…..

So over the weekend, I got on a roll. Operation Re-boot 2014 inspired me to get organized. First stop= Clean out the paper pile and mail that accumulated over the holidays and made my “to do list” for the week. Next, Put away the Christmas gifts and stuff from the Florida trip that I stashed in the dining room…….

I opened the medicine cabinet to put the cold meds back (that had been sitting in the dining room for over a week). Suddenly, an avalanche of allergy boxes spilled out and bonked me on the head. Guess what the next stop was?

Wow, it’s been a long time since the medicine cabinet was cleaned out! Nice expiration date…. 11/06 on the Tylenol bottle…..What the?

Voila, purged, organized and labeled!

Next stop= The island of misfit socks. Maybe some will reunite with their mate…..

Last stop= Clean out the fridge

After a long day in full steam OCD mode, I felt lighter and more in control of my living space. The chi energy was once again flowing freely~~~~~~~~ aaahhhh!

Getting organized helps us to better plan daily activities and use our time more effectively. It’s not easy for some people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The nervous system is not always in sync which makes things difficult to process sensory information. This can lead to feelings of disorganization, agitation and being overwhelmed. According to the National Autistic Society, “Challenges are found in processing information, predicting consequences of an action, understanding the concept of time and executive function (focus on details instead of the whole picture).”

Most of us use certain strategies to help organize our day. I use an old school calendar that is color-coded in the kitchen. At a glance events are highlighted and easier to spot. Teaching fitness classes=green, appointments=pink, birthdays=orange, vacations=purple, etc… Color coding and other strategies can also be equally as effective for people with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Here are some practical ways to teach and implement organization:

Visual supports

Social Stories give a blueprint for what is expected for behavior, what is on schedule and changes in routines.

Pictures (Picture Exchange System called PECS)

Note Nick’s room has pictures labeled on his dresser to help him find and put away his own clothes. Teaching organizational skills to persons with autism fosters independence…

Lists

Written or visual with pictures keep persons on task and also registers achievements.

Electronic Devices

Phone and iPod apps are available to make schedules, set alarms and timers and act as general reminders. See Blog #52~Tech Time located in the April 2013 archives for specific suggestions. Here’s one…….

Task boxes, envelopes and files

Store media devices, work bins and personal items in set places helps to teach responsibility. Nick’s area includes his PECS Communication book, media storage box and the “STOP Box“ (which I hand him when it is time to surrender an item and transition).

Nick’s work bins that he can retrieve and navigate independently….

Getting things organized helps all of us feel more in control and makes for a more efficient use of our time. Putting strategies in place to help persons having autism spectrum disorder can make a huge difference. Their world becomes easier to navigate, which in turn lessons anxiety. It’s all about staying in the Zen zone. That’s what is in my noggin this week.

~Teresa

Autism, Down syndrome, Government/Legal Matters Related to Special Needs

Blog #79~Reboot 2014

Posted on January 6, 2014January 7, 2014 by Teresa Unnerstall

Blog #79~Reboot 2014

The New Year gives us a clean canvas to start over. It’s an opportunity to paint a fresh picture. The past year was full of many challenges and changes. I am ready to re-boot and here’s why……

2013 started out good until Nick’s birthday in February.

The heater broke……. We had to bundle up for the celebration….. Here I am with Nick’s grandparents Jim and Theresa….. Brrrrrrrr 🙂

The first task was to tackle the annual report for “Continuance of Guardianship” of Nick. It’s a two page form along with a yearly expense report. As long as you submit this a month before the hearing, there is a good chance it will be approved. Then, you won’t have to appear in court before the judge. So far so good…..but not so fast…….

Bam!!!!!!!!

I got a notice from the State Department of Illinois stating that Nick’s benefits would end on his 19^th birthday. I would have to switch over from the child waiver (94 case) and apply for an adult waiver (93 case). Somehow the PAS agency that I work with failed to inform me ahead of time. The application process was daunting and the paperwork alone practically killed a whole rain forest. Nick’s funding was lost for several months which meant we had to pay his respite workers out of pocket. It took awhile and a lot fumbling through the red tape but eventually the adult waiver was approved.

See Blog #44 located in March 2013 archives for more about this debacle.

During the course of doing all this, I applied for SSI for Nick. SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is available for persons who have a disability. Nick has Down syndrome and autism and certainly qualified for this aid. The application procedure was straight forward, done online and much easier than the process for state funding. Again, it took a few months and a scheduled phone interview before Nick was able to receive funding. What I have learned through this past year is that you have to stay on top of things when you are managing an adult with special needs. It’s definitely more time consuming to handle his affairs now then when he was younger.

Early spring brought on several upgrades to the house including a new roof and siding. Then in April, the Chicagoland area experienced major flooding. The sump pump couldn’t keep up and the water poured over submerging the basement.

It took several months to get everything back in order. The garage and dining room became the “catch all” in the meantime. One word…….. “Mayhem!”

In May, Nick graduated from high school, what a milestone for big guy!

During the summer the dry wall was restored, walls freshly painted and new carpeting installed in the basement. I was thankful for my in-laws, Jim and Theresa who helped out with putting things back on the walls, shelves and in the bar area. They were instrumental many times helping out in 2013.

Vacation was spent in the Outer Banks, NC, it was just what we all needed. Upon our return, Miss Mellie our beloved cat of 17 years was in poor health. We had to say goodbye to her.

Rest in peace Miss Mellie……

In the fall, Hank returned to Northern Illinois University and moved into an apartment.

Nick started the post-secondary transition program called STEPS, which he will attend until he is 22. During the fall, new carpet was installed in the rest of the house. A fresh coat of paint was put on both the boy’s bedrooms. Twelve years and two boys, uh….. let’s just say they needed a complete overhaul! Carpet installation is quite an ordeal. You have to pack everything up and clean out all the closets much like moving out of a house.

Fresh paint and carpet, sweet! Nick approves……

Within a week after the carpet was put in, Al was scheduled for shoulder surgery. 40+ years of hard core tennis had taken a toll and the USTA Sectionals in August really did it in. The surgery was lengthy and the recovery was painful. The worst is behind him; his arm is out of the sling with 6 months of rehab before he can pick up a tennis racket.

2013 was challenging, painful and filled with many changes. The house is restored and things are nearly put back together. I am ready to re-boot and greet the 2014 with a clean slate. Mostly, I am looking forward to settling down, seeing what the new year will bring, and get back to writing about Nick’s world without interruptions. That’s what is in my noggin this week. 🙂

~Teresa

Autism, Down syndrome

Christmas Wishes

Posted on December 23, 2013 by Teresa Unnerstall

Thank you for reading and sharing Nick’s world this year. Have a Merry Christmas and we wish you a Happy New Year! Enjoy your holiday with family and friends.

I am taking a two week break from the blog, but there’s plenty of good stuff in the archives to dig thru and enjoy in the meantime. We look forward to sharing more fire alarm updates, stories, and information about Nick, Down syndrome and autism. See you next year (that never gets old does it?) 🙂

Cheers,

~Teresa

Autism, Down syndrome, Fun Side of Nick

Blog #78~Christmas Past

Posted on December 16, 2013December 15, 2014 by Teresa Unnerstall

Blog #78~Christmas Past

This week; a look at Christmas past with Nick and his older brother, Hank. Having a brother with Down syndrome and autism requires patience and understanding. It’s not always easy with Nick yelling, dropping things, stimming and giving us all a run for our money. I give Hank a lot of props for putting up with it all these years. Here are some of their special times together at Christmas.

Christmas in Texas, no pants required 🙂

Family gathering back at my parent’s home. I love Nick’s toothless grin!

Christmas at GMA Theresa and GPA Jim’s house in Chicago. Here’s Nick with his cousins Anna and Sam. Looks like Nick got a new musical toy 🙂

Christmas and Bears game time!

They’re getting bigger!

My high school boys…..

I hope that you enjoyed a look back at Christmas past. I treasure the many fond memories of my boys over the years. May your Christmas be filled with joy, love and peace.

~Teresa 🙂

Autism, Behavior/ ABA

Blog #77~Autism and Meltdowns

Posted on December 9, 2013April 27, 2015 by Teresa Unnerstall

Blog#77~Autism and Meltdowns

I would rather write about anything else than what an autism meltdown looks like (even poop accidents).

It’s a difficult subject, personal in nature and exposes a lot of vulnerability. I am just one of so many dealing with these raging outbursts. My son Nick is 19 years old and has Down syndrome and autism. So, for all of the warrior moms out there in the battlefield…. This one is for you!

When Nick was in the throes of puberty, his meltdowns were horrific. He would destroy everything in his path. His arms slung hard hitting, kicking, biting and drawing blood with his pinching. These intense battles became so bad and frequent that I had to take action. I was no longer able to control my own son. Here is what I did……

Three things we did to get things under control:

1. Nick was put on medication, Risperdal to help calm him down and be less agitated.

2. I called an emergency IEP meeting and insisted that the school district’s autism specialist be brought in to help out. We tracked his behavior both at school and home to figure out what might be triggering his anger. Then we came up with a behavior plan. You see, every behavior communicates something. In Nick’s case, he wasn’t being heard.

3. The autism specialist determined that the staff, Nick and I needed to be properly trained to use the picture exchange system (PECS). The pictures gave Nick a voice that autism had robbed him of. Finally, he felt in control. The incidences of the teenage sized temper tantrum quickly diminished.

PECS Communication Book:

Fast forward to the present….. Nick has been unsettled. He is expressing it by shoving us away. It’s like he is saying, “Hey, I am 19 years old and coming into adult age. Back the F#&K off!” Nick had two serious meltdowns in the past week. Each seemed to come out of nowhere. But there is always something brewing inside. You just have to back track and figure out what might have been the trigger(s) to set him off.

Portrait of an Autism Meltdown: The Scenario, Triggers and Outcome

(Also known as the ABC’s: Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence) Here’s a sample form used to work on a Behavior Support Plan………

Timeline of Nick’s Meltdown

A=Antecedents:

*Routine is off the past couple of weeks Nick’s Dad had shoulder surgery=added stress around the house.

*Nick has a runny nose and woke up way too early.

*Dinner at Nick’s Aunt & Uncle’s recently purchased home-new environment

*Al pulls into his brother’s driveway and has to back up a few times. Nick hates it when you pull in and then have back up. He thinks you aren’t going to stay so he panics, bangs on the window, pinches his cheeks and yells loudly.

*Nick’s bored and no one is paying attention to him. He looks to stir things up. He sits down on the couch with his iPod, but doesn’t last there long. He finds my purse and empties the contents it down the stairs. Then, he bonks poor Cali on the head with the can of tennis balls he is stimming on.

Poor Cali, retreats to the kitchen…….

*Aunt Ali makes Nick’s favorite pasta dish, and has bought his favorite dessert. 🙂

*Oh no, I realize that once the Little Debbies are introduced Nick’s going to make a bee line to the shower. That’s his routine.

*Sure enough, he strips down in the bathroom upstairs. The water doesn’t get as hot as Nick likes…. NOT GOOD, this is going to make him mad.

B=Behavior:

*He shivers and is pissed as I help him towel off. I hand him his street clothes to put back on. (I should have brought his pajamas.) He flung them across the bathroom, then he proceeded to grab the tissue box, toothpaste, magazines, hand towel and hurl them as well. THIS IS IT…….

*I managed to contain him between the toilet and bathtub and shield myself as he lunges at me pinching, bruising and scratching my arms. I use a towel much like a bullfighter does against a raging bull. Only I am the one who becomes bloodied, not the bull.

*Nick is nearly my size. There is no possible way to do *CPI Holds (see link below) on him anymore. It’s more about getting him in a safe place and deflecting his blows.

It took 30+ minutes for Nick to de-compress from this meltdown, (most are 10-15 max these days). I felt raw, defeated and exposed. Nick started to work through his emotions. He cursed, hit and pinched himself as if he was replaying the meltdown. My heart breaks a thousand times in these moments.

Consequence:

Eventually Nick showed remorse and said, “sorry”. That’s when you know he has de-escalated. He put on his clothes, said our apologies and drove home in silence.

THAT is a portrait of an autism meltdown!

The next morning, I brewed a K-cup and began to dissect what had happened to cause the meltdown. Nick thrives best in a predictable environment and visual picture schedule that he can follow.

So, I go back to the ABC Functional Behavior form:

A=Antecedent (what happened before)? All the things listed above were building up inside him.

B=Behavior (Nick’s tired, confused, mad at the cold water and no pj’s, he lashes out.)

C=Consequence (After the meltdown, Nick de-escalates and apologizes and we go home.)

I’m still trying to figure out Nick’s world. In retrospect, I should have increased his med dose before the dinner and made a visual schedule with pictures of their new home. On the schedule put the following icons on:

“New house”

“Dinner”

“Dessert”

“All Done”

“Car”

“Home”

Or at the very least, just brought his pajamas. So, I will re-boot and learn from this mistake just as I’ve done before. Autism and meltdowns can be scary and brutal. But they can also be prevented if you look ahead to the environment, and plan ahead for anything that might set your child off.

That’s what is in my noggin this week.

~Teresa

*CPI= “Crisis Prevention Institute offers trainings in “Nonviolent Crisis Intervention.” The program is safe, nonharmful behavior management system designed to help humans service professionals provide the best possible care, welfare, safety and security of disruptive, assaultive and out-of control individuals even during their most violent moments” For more Information: http://www.crisisprevention.com.

Autism, Down syndrome

Blog #76~Social Skills and Autism

Posted on December 2, 2013December 2, 2013 by Teresa Unnerstall

Blog #76~ Social Skills and Autism

A few weeks ago I did a guest lecture at Northern Illinois University. The graduate level class topic was “Functional Communication Skills and Social Skills” from a parent perspective.

NIU at WCC Sugar Grove Campus

Blog #73 covered the topic of communication skills as it relates to autism. This week I will cover how to incorporate social skills for individuals with autism. Nick has Down syndrome and autism. It makes for an interesting mix because his verbal speech is lacking, yet he is very outgoing.

Here some of the ways in which his teachers have incorporated opportunities to practice social skills:

*Lunch bunch groups in school-play board games, practice turn taking, boundaries.

*Community outings to grocery store, library, mall, and eating out.

*School and community jobs

*Practice self-regulation through his behavior plan. Work in a controlled setting on what triggers his outbursts.

*Social Groups tailored for kids/teens with autism

*Best Buddies Program- monthly meetings, parties, bowling, movies, dances, etc…

Nick trying a hat at Jewel Osco Grocery Store 🙂 ………..

All of these opportunities have helped Nick to behave more appropriately when out in the public. When Nick was in middle school he went to each classroom and emptied the recycling bins. He was able to practice greeting students. At the end of the semester, the students made thank you card for Nick:

Having peer role models is very valuable in this process. At his recent school conference his teacher commented that Nick was quite “restaurant savvy.”

Nick’s all aboard for lunch with his classmates 🙂

Children and teens with autism can benefit in participating in social skills groups. These groups have not been a fit for Nick because he lacks the verbal skills. They tend to be suited for higher functioning persons with autism who have speech. Check with community autism support groups, speech therapy clinics and schools to find a one in your area.

Here is a sampling of topics that might be covered in a social group for individuals with autism:

*Interventions for hitting/biting and conflict resolution

*Handling transitions

*Asking friends to play and what to do if they don’t want to play with you.

*Turn taking in general conversation.

*Facilitating cooperative play- taking turns, practicing patience coping with losing a game

*Dealing with large crowds, busy settings and stimulus overload.

*Initiating a variety of conversational topics – Sometimes intense, restricted interests result in sticking with only their preferred topics (like dinosaurs, academy award winning movies, etc..)

*Working on conversations that reciprocate the interests of others in the group.

*Providing needed information based on a partner’s knowledge of the topic – Gauging length of conversational turn and working on noticing the cues others send us so we can adjust the length of our conversational turn.

Currently, Nick participates in the post-secondary transition program. His schedule includes community trips to the store, library, mall walking, cooking, vocational jobs and move and groove (dance party) along with the regular curriculum. The STEPS program also has dances and recreational trips after school from time to time. As you can see, there are many occasions built in his schedule to practice social skills. It is essential to keep Nick’s world open and provide opportunities to socialize.

This past weekend his brother came home from college. I found it touching that Nick wanted to hang out upstairs in Hank’s room a lot of the time he was here.

Nick with his brother a few years back…..

Having a child with autism doesn’t mean you have to close yourself off to the world. Look for ways to get out there and mingle. That’s what is in my noggin this week! 🙂
~Teresa

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