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Included here are a few general ideas for working with children with autism. If you are working with a child with autism, you may want to contact one of the GWAEA support staff who provide services to your building or a member of the GWAEA Autism Resource Team. You may also want to check on some of the books, videos and other materials available to teachers in the professional library at the GWAEA Media Center.
Strategies for Working with Children with Autism from Programming for Autism: An Associate's Role
by K. Klein, Elkader, Iowa
Keystone Autism Resource Team
As adapted from the Keystone AEA Autism Resource Team
Use simple instructions
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Be positive
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Use a calm and pleasant voice
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Tell the student what to do
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Use no extra words
Use visual cues
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Pictures
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Objects
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Gestures
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Demonstrations
*A general rule for giving verbal directions is to say them twice. If there is no response, the verbal directions will need another support built into the environment such as visual cues.
Assist with transitions
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Give advance warning of change
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Use a transition schedule or routine
Understand communication intent of behavior
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Give Choices - Limit Choices
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Avoid possible power struggles
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Limit Waiting Time
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Plan well
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Provide activities for the child to do while waiting
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Prompt for Appropriate Behavior
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Remind students of expectations
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Allow Personal Space
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Do not hover
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Sit to the side
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