Social Narratives

I have just competed the Social Narratives Module from autisminternetmodules.org. Such a great learning tool! I wanted to share a bit of what I learned but I STRONGLY recommend you check out the modules yourself.

A daily challenge for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may be difficulty with social interactions. Social narratives are designed by parents and educators to help enhance social functioning for individuals with ASD.  Social narratives are visually represented stories that describe social situations and socially appropriate responses or behaviors to help individuals with ASD acquire and use appropriate social skills.

Image Source: speechbuddy.com

Social skills include communication, problem-solving, decision-making, self-management, and peer relations abilities.

When can social narratives be used?
-after a social "error" has occurred (making a rude comment to a peer, hitting, scratching)
-before a new experience or transition (going to get a hair cut, changing schools, meeting a new teacher)
-as an intervention to reduce an already reoccurring behaviour (interrupting classmates, shouting out in class, picking nose)

The module lists specific steps which must be taken to ensure a social narrative is effective.  A neat way to create a social narrative is using PowerPoint and depending on the individuals needs you can add speech so that along with reasing the story, the individual can hear the story.

As part of my placement at REACH, my supervisor said we will will be creating some social stories for a few clients. Looking forward to learning more about social stories and creating some of my own!

Autism Internet Modules

Today, I was introduced to a great resource for anyone working with indivduals with autism. It is was Autism Internet Module and can be found at: http://www.autisminternetmodules.org/

Once you create an account, you can access information for free, under various categories such as: Recognizing Autism, Infants and Toddlers with Autism, Autism at Home, Autism in the Classroom, autism in the Community and Autism in teh Workplace.  Each category has several online workshops that range from an hour to two hours.

This is a great resource for any one working with indivduals with autims or even for parents of children with Autims. The best part conent is FREE. You can buy credits to print certficates if you choose.

I am looking forwad to completing some of the modules :)

Guided Observation: Intensive Behaviour Intervention

Today, I had the opportunity to do a guided observation during a Intensive Behaviour Intervention. Commonly referred to as IBI, Intensive Behaviour Interventions are described as the application of ABA principals in an intensive setting (minimum 25 hour per week) with goal of seeing a change or improvement in behaviour.

KidsAbility describes IBI using the following criteria:

• Uses systematic behavioural teaching methods
• Has clearly defined strategies & goals;
• Is individualized to the needs of each child
• Incorporates changes based upon direct measurement of each child's learning'
• Teaches children one-on-one or in small groups.

It was really NEAT to finally see an IBI session in person after reading so much about it the last few months. Wow, do Instructor Therapists (IT) work hard! The session that I observed was with a individual who I will call "Simon". Simon was a active little boy with a lot of sensory issues. he loved to pinch because he enjoyed the sensation, as a strategy, the IT used a squishy pillow. Simon's behaviour was reinforced when Simon squeezed the pillow.

"Simon" was non-verbal so he used PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System)  and approximations as his functional communication system. Examples of some of the behaviours that were being reinforced were eye contact, sitting in his chair and squeezing his pillow toy. Some of the skills being taught were related to identifying pictures of family members, identifying colours and identifying body parts. It was really interesting to watch but a bit overwhelming as well. So much to learn!

I am hoping to see a couple more sessions before the end of my placement at REACH.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Special Education, Placement, Intensive Behaviour Interventions