What is autism?• Social deficiency

• Communication deficiency• Restricted and/or repetitive

behaviors or special interests• 1 in 88 children in US diagnosed– 1 in 54 boys– 1 in 252 girls

Some helpful vocabulary• Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD): any disorder that

falls under the umbrella of autism– “On the spectrum”

• Asperger’s Syndrome: social deficiency and limited interests/behaviors; no communication deficiency

• PDD (Pervasive Developmental Disorder): a catchall for kids who exhibit some symptoms but not all. Also called PPD/NOS (not otherwise specified) or ASD/NOS

• Neurotypical: anyone not on the autism spectrum

Common Behaviors• Flapping• Verbal stimuli– Scripting– Shouting

• Visual stimuli• Rocking/Jumping/Toe Walking• Self injury• Attention seeking vs. escape vs. self

soothing

What might we encounter at camp?

• Resistance to change• Refusal/non-compliance• Sensory overload– Noise

• Homesickness

• These things happen with EVERY kid, not just kids on the spectrum

10 Things Every Child With Autism Wishes You Knew

1. I am a child.2. My senses are out of sync.3. Distinguish between won’t (I choose not to)

and can’t (I am not able to).4. I’m a concrete thinker. I interpret language

literally.5. Listen to all the ways I’m trying to

communicate.6. Picture this! I’m visually oriented.7. Focus and build on what I can do rather than

what I can’t do.8. Help me with social interactions.9. Identify what triggers my meltdowns.10.Love me unconditionally.

I am a child.

• Kids with autism are still kids• No two kids with autism are the

same• Don’t only see the disorder• Has autism vs. being autistic

• They still have interests, talents, personalities, etc. Find those!

My senses are out of sync.

• Noises can be overwhelming• Sensitivity to certain textures– Tags in shirts– Certain materials– Food

• Smell sensitivity

• Sensory feedback

I’m a concrete thinker. I interpret language literally.

• “This will be a piece of cake,” vs. “this will be easy for you.”

• “It’s raining cats and dogs,” vs. “It’s raining really hard outside.”

Be deliberate with your language and word choices

Listen to all the ways I’m trying to communicate.

• Meltdowns happen because people with autism can’t find other ways to communicate

• Hunger, thirst, needing to use the bathroom, etc. might all be things they can’t explain to you with language

• LISTEN to what their ACTIONS are telling you

Picture this! I’m visually oriented.

• Show rather than tell• Kids with autism (of ANY kind) should

have their own copy of the schedule– Ask, if needed, for a simplified version

for them

• Set visual timers• WRITE THINGS DOWN

Identify what triggers my meltdowns.

BE PROACTIVE!

Communication

• Don’t ask questions when giving directions

• Clear and concise directions– “Up now please. Shoes on.” – “It’s time to get ready.”

• Two clear choices– “Black pants or blue pants?”– “Two minute break or keep going?”

• Processing Time

Social StoriesJackie did a great job a camp today! She followed directions like a smart girl! Tonight at bedtime, Jackie will do a good job too.1. Take a shower2. Put on pull up3. Put on pajamas4. Brush teeth5. Walk to other cabin6. Stories with Sprinkles7. Bed

Great job, Jackie!

Rewards

• Use what the kids like as a reward for getting through any sort of schedule–Making it through class–Making it through 20 minutes

• Star charts• Sensory time• Rewards vs. Bribes

Now it’s your turn!

Last minute reminders

• Don’t tolerate rude behavior just because they have a disorder• It’s ok to laugh• Use these techniques with all kids• Be excited to learn something

new• ASK FOR HELP