Meeting the Needs of Children and Families

by Liping Liu

Simon’s Family Introduction

• Dad: Single parent• Siblings: 2 teenagers• Simon: 3 years old• New to Toronto

More About Simon

Diagnosed with autism• Problem with social relationships and play skills (e.g.: little impulse control);• Engagement in stereotypical/repetitive behaviours (e.g.: fascinated with wheels and cars);• Impaired Communication (e.g.: speaks echolalic language);

Family Needs

• Rent or buy a property• Find schools for Simon’s siblings• Access to parenting resources• Family recreation program• Autism Agency in Toronto

Information websites:• http://www.torontorentals.com/• http://www.viewit.ca/• http://www.realtor.ca/splash.aspx

Rent or Buy a Property in Toronto

• The Toronto District School Board (TDSB)- Toronto District School Board is the largest school Board in Canada and the fourth largest in North America.- School can be found by map, address and school name.

Link: http://www.tdsb.on.ca/

School Information

• Parentbooks: Parentbooks offers information from planning a family to everyday parenting issues to special needs of all kinds. Link:

http://www.parentbooks.ca/index.htm

Access to Parenting Resources

Toronto Fun Guide• Programs and services for people of all ages.• Information about Toronto’s museums, parks, volunteer opportunities, part-time job possibilities.Link: http://www.toronto.ca/events/index.htm

Family Recreation Program

Meeting the Needs in Child Care Center

• Adapting the Environment• Transitions• Problems with social relationships and play skills• Restrictive, repetitive, and stereotyped behavior • Communication

Adapting the Environment

• Simplify room layout by designating specific areas for defined activities. • Label the areas and storage using color coding or a pictorial system. • Designate specific areas for quiet work. • Only post necessary information such as schedules, examples of children's work, classroom expectations, and information that is to be used for instruction.

Transitions

• Prepare for all transitions ahead of time. • Set up next activity so children do not have to wait.• Use a transitional object/signals.• Use a visual schedule.• Give one clear direction at a time.• Use a specific relaxation strategy.• Remain consistensy.

Problems with Social Relationships and Play Skills 

• Explain rules / rationales behind social exchanges.• Target perspective-taking skills.• Teach student to accurately label his / her own emotions.• Be aware of teasing by peers• “Boost confidence for activities Simon can succeed.• Invite him.• Do not expect Simon to do the same as other children” (Cadieux, 2012).

Restrictive, Repetitive, and Stereotyped Behavior  

• Encourage Simon to play with wheels and cars when he is showing appropriate behaviour.• Vary the activities within the daily schedule.• Provide Simon a "time out" pass for a few minutes of free time to leave the classroom. • Ensure understanding of all assignments and tasks (and materials needed).• Allow Simon opportunities to move during instruction.

Communication 

• Ensure that Simon always has access to communicate his wants and needs.• Simplify language.• Paraphrase back what Simon has said or indicated. • Reinforce communication attempts. • Use words in addition to gestures and facial expressions.• “Talk as calm as possible” (Cadieux, 2012).

Autism Agency in Toronto

Geneva center for autism• Development and delivery of clinical intervention

services and training.

Services available for:

- children

- parents and caregiver

- youth and adults

- professionals

Phone No.: 416 322 7877

Link: http://www.autism.net

Autism Agency in Toronto

Autism Ontario• the leading source of information and referral on

autism

• one of the largest collective voices representing the

autism community.

Link: http://www.autismontario.com/

ReferencesCadieux, C. 2012. handout Learning Together Every step of the way:

Fact Sheet Autism Spectrum Disorder, Toronto, Canada

Website Links:http://www.autism.nethttp://www.autismontario.com/http://connectability.ca/2011/03/24/visual-schedule-tip-sheet/http://www.dotolearn.com/disabilities/CharacteristicsAndStrategies/AutismSpectrumDisorder_Strategies.htmlhttp://www.do2learn.com/disabilities/FASDtoolbox/classroom_management/classroom_environment/overview.htmhttp://www.parentbooks.ca/index.htmhttp://www.tdsb.on.ca/http://www.toronto.ca/events/index.htm

Thank You