The Autism Society Event and Education Recordings Archive

This workshop will discuss the many factors which need to be considered in deciding when and how to explain Autism Spectrum Disorder to a child with autism and to his or her siblings and peers. It will examine the different needs of each group and how autism can be explained in a way that a child, especially a younger child, can understand. Ideas for awareness activities and a list of some of the currently available resources will be provided. This workshop will examine the many factors which need to be considered in deciding when and how to explain Autism Spectrum Disorder to children, as well as providing ideas on appropriate activities and a list of some of the available resources that can be helpful. It will be broken down into four parts. The first part will examine how autism can be explained in a way that a child, especially a younger child, can understand. The other three parts of the workshop will address the needs of the different children receiving the information; children with autism, peers and siblings.

Since understanding autism can prove to be challenging for anyone, the first topic of the workshop will look at how to make it understandable to children of all ages, whether they have autism or know someone who does. The characteristics of autism that are most important for children to understand will be identified. Participants will look at examples of how autism is explained in various resources available for children, to provide ideas on how to simplify concepts and vocabulary. Activities that promote understanding will be suggested for the different age groups.

The workshop will next consider the needs and concerns of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and when and how these children should be presented with information concerning their disability. Special consideration needs to be given to factors such as age, language ability, and social awareness. Activities will be suggested that encourage self-exploration, self-acceptance and empowerment. Some of the currently available resources that are designed for use with students with Autism Spectrum Disorder will be available for examination.

The workshop will next consider how a parent or professional can help peers comprehend the unique strengths and challenges of the child with autism and how he or she, as a friend or peer, can be understanding and helpful. Activities will be suggested to increase autism awareness and foster friendly relationships. The workshop will also examine how to select and adapt activities for peers of different ages and how to build awareness activities into other curriculum areas. Lists of relevant books and videos will be provided. Finally, the workshop will look at the specific needs and concerns of siblings. Not only are siblings sometimes confused due to a lack of information, but they can also experience guilt, resentment, anger and jealousy. Attention will be given to how a parent or professional can best address these needs. Information on related books and community resources will be provided.

As Autism Spectrum Disorder can be a difficult and emotional topic for children to explore, one of the main thrusts of the workshop is how to make explaining autism understandable, non-threatening and enjoyable. Much emphasis will be placed on how to present information through a variety of activities that fully engage all learners.

At the conclusion of this workshop, participants will be able to: * state the needs and special concerns related to learning about autism for the child with autism, for peers and for siblings * select specific activities for learning about autism for children of various ages, with different needs * access various related resources

Content Area: Family and Sibling Support