The Autism Society Event and Education Recordings Archive

Executive Function disabilities are common in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Working around them requires specific strategies that build on strengths, differing from how "most people" do tasks, to be successful. Visual supports and relatively low cost, low tech, environmental modifications can contribute to successful independent functioning through the lifespan. Executive Function disabilities are common in ASD. Working around them requires specific strategies that build on strengths, differing from how "most people" do tasks, to be successful. The two presenters of this session are adults on the spectrum, and both have limited incomes. One of us is a young adult, living on her own, working and attending University. The other is the parent-financial, medical, educational and social coordinator for a family of three, all on spectrum, who previously was the household coordinator of a family of six. The four older kids, all of whom have significant Autistic characteristics, are now out and on their own.

A variety of visual supports can contribute to successful independent functioning through the lifespan. It is unfortunate that so many providers and parents believe visual schedules and charts to be applicable to only young children, as they are useful for anyone. This is why consultants earn huge sums developing timelines and other visuals for corporate and governmental America. For many people on the spectrum, visuals are crucial, for out of sight truly is out of mind. Because of our own experiences and situations, we emphasize relatively low cost, low tech, environmental modifications. We also define success in a manner that does not hold people to unattainable guidelines, as that is counterproductive to functioning in the real world.

Objective 1 and 2

We will present frameworks for analyzing needs, tasks and barriers to their successful completion in a way that works with, rather than against, autistic neurology, in the following areas:

• Appointments

• Assignments

• Housekeeping/organization

  • Kitchen, including special diets

  • Clothing/Laundry

  • Chores

  • Paperwork/billpaying

  • bathroom

• Exercise

• Medication

• Home Education

• Making organization work for “helpers” and support staff too

• Workshop

We will also address questions from participants about specific needs as part of the presentation. All solutions are designed to be, to the greatest extent possible, flexible, to be introduced at early stages and to provide tools for self-regulation. The presenters, between them, have developed systems for everything from a room to a 2400 Finished Square Foot Victorian house, and for one person to seven people. Obviously we will not know all resources available throughout the country or world, but will provide examples of internet and our local sources for materials.

Objective 3

The most important part of organizing for useful function is that it is a PROCESS, which includes ongoing analysis and problem solving. Discussing our ways of doing this is directed towards encouraging participants that they “can do it too”.  The process of "tweaking"  will be addressed using visual and verbal examples, with time for questions.

Learning Objectives: