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Autism Spectrum Disorder and Recreation

Autism Spectrum Disorder and Recreation. Autism Society of McLean County www.autismmclean.org. Who We Are. We are a group of parents , teachers, and other professionals who want to make a difference in the lives of our kids and adults with autism. Odds:.

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Autism Spectrum Disorder and Recreation

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  1. Autism Spectrum Disorder and Recreation Autism Society of McLean County www.autismmclean.org

  2. Who We Are We are a group of parents , teachers, and other professionals who want to make a difference in the lives of our kids and adults with autism

  3. Odds: • Of a child becoming a professional athlete – 1 in 16,000 • Of a child being diagnosed with Autism – 1 in 50

  4. What is Autism • Spectrum disorder: skills and abilities vary greatly • All will be affected by deficits in communication and social skills Autism is a social communication disorder Autism Asperger’s Syndrome PDD-NOS

  5. Autism Spectrum Disorders Most individuals with autism will also have sensory issues They may be hyper (over) or hypo (under) sensitive to: Sights Sounds Touch Taste Smell

  6. In the beginning (1943 – 75) The belief was that people with autism: • Had no feelings • Were mentally retarded • Could not be educated • Could not learn self help skills • Should be institutionalized …and that autism was caused by cold uncaring mother’s (known as refrigerator mother’s)

  7. The beginning of change (1976 – 95) LRE People started to believe that individuals with autism: • Could be trained to do menial jobs • Were mentally retarded • Could learn basic academic skills • Could not develop relationships (friendships) • Should be institutionalized • Could be educated separate from their peers …and that autism was not caused by uncaring mother’s, but was genetic in nature

  8. What we know today Individuals with autism • Are unique and individual, just like everyone else • Early detection and intervention can make all of the difference in successful life outcomes • Individuals with autism do make friends and develop long term relationships • Not only learn academically; but have average intelligence and many go on to finish college and hold major degrees • Many individuals with autism can lead independent lives, both with and without supports …There is likely a combination of contributing factors to the onset of autism including genetics/environmental agents

  9. Autism • Affects 4 males to 1 female • Prevalence for autism is 1 in 50 • Most cases have no known cause or cure • Cost of autism over the lifespan is 3.2 million per person

  10. Recreation & Social Opportunities • Day Camp • Sensory-friendly movies • Open gym • Community Outings: • Space Camp • Upper Limits • Organized Social & Recreational Opportunities: • Drama Camp • Cheerleading Camp • Basketball Skills Camp • Baseball Skills Camp • Flag Football Camp • Soccer Camp • Bowling League

  11. Why Recreation • To promote a healthy lifestyle • Increase self-esteem • Same opportunities as peers • Skill building • Motor development • Social interactions • Life skills - Understanding and following rules

  12. Outcomes • Children feel a “part” of something • Many have developed friendships outside of the activities • Self-esteem increases • Enhanced skills • Developed understanding of “team” play • Older individuals have found a place helping others on the spectrum • Families feel a part of a community, more involved • Increased expectations from parents (they see what their kids can do)

  13. Challenges • Communication • Auditory processing • Behaviors • Self-esteem • Understanding concept of competition • Complication of rules • Lack of motor abilities • Attention span • Motivation • Executive functioning/planning • Individual differences

  14. Supports • Visual Supports • Picture schedules & cues • Reward boards • Social Stories • Don’t demand eye contact (processing) • Have child repeat instructions (if capable) • Model expectations • Don’t be afraid to make demands • Be prepared for and schedule breaks • Peer buddy models • Prepare child for transitions • Sensory considerations (environment) • Willing to use parents and volunteers (be directive) • Praise and reward • Stair-step to the goal

  15. Visual Strategies • All people use visual aids/strategies. • Visual aids help us to understand our environment. • Think about being in a foreign country. For example: In Germany, how can you find the bathroom at the airport?

  16. PECs

  17. Picture Schedule

  18. Social Stories™ • Developed by Carol Gray to teach basic social skills. • Social Stories™ are a tool used to establish replacement social skills for both children and adults with autism. • Social Stories™ are short, straightforward descriptions of social situations which provide details of what a person might expect from a situation, and describes what may be expected of the person. • Though they do not necessarily fix the problem, aSocial Story™ gives a person information about social situations they find difficult or confusing. • Pinterest/YouTube – great examples to personalize

  19. Questions?

  20. Autism Society of McLean County Jill Enchelmayer, President 2404 E. Empire, Suite 231 Bloomington, Illinois 61702 info@autismmclean.org www.autismmclean.org

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