The 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.

Acknowledgments.

About the Authors.

SECTION ONE: BASIC INFORMATION ON AUTISM AND ASPERGERSYNDROME.

Introduction.

1.1 What We Know About Autism.

1.2 What Do We Mean by the Autism Spectrum?

1.3 Conditions Commonly Associated with Autism.

1.4 Positive Traits Associated with Autism.

1.5 Early Indicators of Autism.

1.6 Autism Myths Versus Autism Facts.

1.7 Tools Used in Autism Screening and Diagnosis.

1.8 Social Differences.

1.9 Communication Differences.

1.10 Movement Differences.

1.11 Sensory Differences and Sensitivity.

1.12 Passions, Interests, and Rituals.

SECTION TWO: CHECKLISTS FOR PARENTS.

Introduction.

2.1 After Diagnosis.

2.2 Sharing the News.

2.3 Help for Families.

2.4 What Those on the Spectrum Need at Home.

2.5 Modifying the Home.

2.6 Safety at Home.

2.7 Safety in the Community.

2.8 Adaptations at Family Events.

2.9 Adaptations for Errands and Outings.

2.10 Adaptations While Traveling.

2.11 Helping Your Child Learn at Home

2.12 Advocating for Your Child.

SECTION THREE: CHECKLISTS FOR TEACHERS.

Introduction.

3.1 What to Do If You Think a Student is on the Spectrum.

3.2 Needs of Students with Autism.

3.3 Helpful Habits of Mind for Teachers.

3.4 Learning About Autism.

3.5 Encouraging Self-Advocacy.

3.6 Addressing Student Fascinations and Passions in theClassroom.

3.7 Supporting Students Who Seek Perfection.

3.8 Supporting Students Who Resist or Refuse to Do Work.

3.9 Helping Students Cope with Anxiety.

3.10 Building a Supportive Classroom Community.

3.11 Creating a Comfortable Classroom.

3.12 Giving Clear Directions in the Classroom.

3.13 Providing Structure in the Classroom.

3.14 Creating Lessons with Students with Autism in Mind.

3.15 Creating More Accessible Whole-Class Discussions andLectures.

3.16 Creating Assessments Appropriate for Students withAutism.

3.17 Supports and Strategies for Literacy Lessons.

3.18 Supports and Strategies for Math Lessons.

3.19 Helping Students Manage Homework.

3.20 Making Within-School Transitions Easier for Students.

3.21 Making School-to-School Transitions Easier forStudents.

3.22 Preventing Behavior Struggles in the Classroom.

3.23 Don?ts for Working with Students with Autism.

3.24 Helping Students with Autism Shine.

SECTION FOUR: MORE HELPFUL STRATEGIES FOR HOME ANDSCHOOL.

Introduction.

4.1 To Keep in Mind for Toddlers and Preschoolers.

4.2. To Keep in Mind for School-Age Children.

4.3 To Keep in Mind for Adolescents and Teenagers.

4.4 Possible Members of a Support Team.

4.5 Strategies for Encouraging and FacilitatingCommunication.

4.6 Strategies for Supporting Those Without ReliableCommunication.

4.7 Strategies for Encouraging and Supporting SocialRelationships.

4.8 Strategies for Building Social Skills.

4.9 Addressing Movement Differences.

4.10 Addressing Sensory Issues: Visual.

4.11 Addressing Sensory Issues: Tactile.

4.12 Addressing Sensory Issues: Auditory.

4.13 Addressing Sensory Issues: Olfactory.

4.14 Strategies for Teaching and Learning.

4.15 Promoting and Teaching Organization.

4.16 Promoting and Teaching Stress Relief.

4.17 Helping Those on the Spectrum Cope with Change.

4.18 Addressing Challenging Behavior.

4.19 Strategies for Coping in Crisis.

SECTION FIVE: HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR PARENTS ANDTEACHERS.

Introduction.

5.1 Recommended Videos.

5.2 Recommended Books.

5.3 Recommended Web Sites.

5.4 Recommended Vendors.

5.5 Recommended Organizations.

References.

Index.