The ASA's 39th National Conference on Autism Spectrum Disorders of ASA

The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, Scottsdale, AZ

http://www.autism-society.org/
For a complete author index with session numbers, please click here
Friday, July 11, 2008: 10:45 AM-12:00 PM
Sun Ballroom 2
#3464- 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.

Presenter:Rama Cousik, Doctoral, student, Indiana University Bloomington, Associate Instructor - Rama Cousik is a doctoral student in Special Education at IU, Bloomington. Rama has extensive experience in working with children with ASD and children with intellectual disabilities. Rama is interested in using creative activities to facilitate participation of all learners.
 
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

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