Autism In School

Vacation: how to have one

2011-04-15T09:19:00.000-07:00

Do you feel like you need a vacation after taking your ASD child on a vacation? Does the thought of summer vacation terrify you? In failing to accept the continuous need for structure, many parents set themselves up for disappointment or a miserable experience. Just as a diabetic does not leave his condition behind, so a person with autism does not leave his need for structure behind. Incorporating behavioral strategies into a vacation plan can make all the difference. Anticipating problems, maintaining predictability and incorporating rewards can decrease anxiety, promote cooperation and build lifelong skills. For more on this topic, check out Ch. 17, "Vacation Strategies: How to pack for success" in our book Autism in the School-Aged Child: Expanding Behavioral Strategies at http://www.autisminschool.com/

Top 5 things to know about educating kids with autism

2011-04-07T08:18:00.000-07:00

Number 2: Clearly Define Target Behavior.
Each behavior or activity that you want the child to master must first be broken down into its component parts. Each step must be clearly identified and quantified, both for the child and the educator/parent. Larger tasks are thus achieved by chaining together the mastered components.

For examples of this, please visit our website at http://www.autisminschool.com/

Top 5 things to know about educating kids with autism

2011-03-31T14:25:00.000-07:00

Number 1: Know what motivates your child.
Remember, the foundation for behavioral intervention: "Behavior that is rewarded will be repeated."
Just because your child likes something does not necessarily mean that it is motivating enough to do the work of on-task behavior. Mastery of target behaviors requires ongoing motivation. So, take note of the things that he likes and isolate them for use as reinforcements. Positive reinforcement is the fuel that drives the engine of learning.

For more information on this topic, check out our website at http://www.autisminschool.com/

Welcome to Autism in School

2011-03-31T11:45:00.000-07:00

Hi and welcome to Autism in School, your site for success in the world of educating children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. As the authors of Autism in the School-Aged Child: Expanding Behavioral Strategies and Promoting Success,weI will be offering tips on how to make school successful, how to bring continuity to the home and school environments, and on how parents and educators can work together for the same goal: helping the child with autism to reach his or her potential.

If you are a parent, we can help your child learn and master skills for home and school.
If you are an educator, we can help you integrate the higher functioning child with ASD into the general education classroom.
If you have ever been frustrated we can help!

Next, we will be addressing the top 5 things you need to know about educating children with autism.

Carol Schmidt, RN, BSN
Beth Heybyrne, MA