Autism Checklist (eBook)

Dr. Paula Kluth is a consultant, educator, and advocate whose specialties include supporting children with autism and other disabilities in inclusive classrooms. A former special education teacher, Kluth is the author of numerous books including You're Going to Love This Kid: Teaching Students with Autism in Inclusive Schools. For more information, go to www.PaulaKluth.com. John Shouse served as president of the Autism Society of Middle Tennessee and as vice chair of the national board of the Autism Society of America. He is the father of three children, including Evan, his thirteen-year-old son with autism.

The Autism Checklist: A Practical Reference for Parents and Teachers 1
Contents 7
Acknowledgments 11
About the Authors 13
Introduction 15
1. Basic Information on Autism and Asperger Syndrome 19
Introduction 20
1.1. What We Know About Autism 23
1.2. What Do We Mean by the Autism Spectrum? 25
1.3. Conditions Commonly Associated with Autism 27
1.4. Positive Traits Associated with Autism 28
1.5. Early Indicators of Autism 30
1.6. Autism Myths Versus Autism Facts 33
1.7. Tools Used in Autism Screening and Diagnosis 37
1.8. Social Differences 42
1.9. Communication Differences 45
1.10. Movement Differences 48
1.11. Sensory Differences and Sensitivity 51
1.12. Passions, Interests, and Rituals 54
2. Checklists for Parents 57
Introduction 58
2.1. After Diagnosis 60
2.2. Sharing the News 62
2.3. Help for Families 64
2.4. What Those on the Spectrum Need at Home 66
2.5. Modifying the Home 69
2.6. Safety at Home 71
2.7. Safety in the Community 74
2.8. Adaptations at Family Events 77
2.9. Adaptations for Errands and Outings 79
2.10. Adaptations While Traveling 81
2.11. Helping Your Child Learn at Home 84
2.12. Advocating for Your Child 88
3. Checklists for Teachers 93
Introduction 95
3.1. What to Do If You Think a Student Is on the Spectrum 97
3.2. Needs of Students with Autism 99
3.3. Helpful Habits of Mind for Teachers 101
3.4. Learning About Autism 104
3.5. Encouraging Self-Advocacy 107
3.6. Addressing Student Fascinations and Passions in the Classroom 109
3.7. Supporting Students Who Seek Perfection 112
3.8. Supporting Students Who Resist or Refuse to Do Work 114
3.9. Helping Students Cope with Anxiety 116
3.10. Building a Supportive Classroom Community 118
3.11. Creating a Comfortable Classroom 121
3.12. Giving Clear Directions in the Classroom 128
3.13. Providing Structure in the Classroom 130
3.14. Creating Lessons with Students with Autism in Mind 133
3.15. Creating More Accessible Whole-Class Discussions and Lectures 136
3.16. Creating Assessments Appropriate for Students with Autism 138
3.17. Supports and Strategies for Literacy Lessons 142
3.18. Supports and Strategies for Math Lessons 147
3.19. Helping Students Manage Homework 150
3.20. Making Within-School Transitions Easier for Students 153
3.21. Making School-to-School Transitions Easier for Students 155
3.22. Preventing Behavior Struggles in the Classroom 157
3.23. Don’ts for Working with Students with Autism 160
3.24. Helping Students with Autism Shine 162
4. More Helpful Strategies for Home and School 165
Introduction 166
4.1. To Keep in Mind for Toddlers and Preschoolers 168
4.2. To Keep in Mind for School-Age Children 170
4.3. To Keep in Mind for Adolescents and Teenagers 172
4.4. Possible Members of a Support Team 176
4.5. Strategies for Encouraging and Facilitating Communication 178
4.6. Strategies for Supporting Those Without Reliable Communication 182
4.7. Strategies for Encouraging and Supporting Social Relationships 186
4.8. Strategies for Building Social Skills 189
4.9. Addressing Movement Differences 191
4.10. Addressing Sensory Issues: Visual 195
4.11. Addressing Sensory Issues: Tactile 197
4.12. Addressing Sensory Issues: Auditory 199
4.13. Addressing Sensory Issues: Olfactory 201
4.14. Strategies for Teaching and Learning 203
4.15. Promoting and Teaching Organization 205
4.16. Helping Those on the Spectrum Cope with Change 208
4.17. Addressing Challenging Behavior 210
4.18. Strategies for Coping in Crisis 212
5. Helpful Resources for Parents and Teachers 215
Introduction 216
5.1. Recommended Videos 218
5.2. Recommended Books 220
5.3. Recommended Web Sites 228
5.4. Recommended Vendors 238
5.5. Recommended Organizations 243
References 247
Index 249