Explaining Autism to Peers

This workshop includes ways to increase understanding of autism among peers. Through web based activities, stories, poetry, art and play, classroom teachers will involve all students in getting information and clearing myths and stereotypes about autism. These activities are designed to be carried out during their regular schedule. Presentation outline

What is autism – Definition, characteristics, prevalence, IDEA provisions.
Brief summary of attitudes of children towards children with disabilities in their classrooms from literature review

Definition of terms ‘descriptive’ and ‘explanatory’  

Descriptive and Explanatory activities

Q &A/discussion

The activities oulined below will be illustrated with examples:

Descriptive activities:
Explore previous knowledge

Remove stereotypes- demystify each myth

Highlight strengths -Using stories, poems, multimedia and songs-examples

Buddy systems

Conduct quizzes awareness walks/ weeks/ bulletin boards

Creating and sharing their own social stories

Siblings’ involvement/experiences

Use of indoor games- puzzles, scrabble crosswords

Same /different activities

Weekend get-together, outings, picnics

Parents and caregivers participation

Explanatory activities
Examining the meaning of different definitions under the ASD

Questions and answers- ‘why does Johnny flap his hands?’ etc

Importance of demonstrating positive ways of interaction among children

Unique needs of each child with autism

Web based activities

Encouraging children with autism to use their communication devices

Art class- creating visual schedules, social stories, etc

Sensory corners in the classroom
Parent involvement -Sharing my experience in a middle school in GA