Autism Toilet Paper
Here To Help You With the Messes
GRAPHOPHOBIA
Graphophobia: the fear of handwriting (or is it the fear of asking a student to write!). Google it and you will find all kinds of information about the anxiety of writing. Comments like "I don't know what to write." "I don't have anything worthwhile to write!" "I am not a good writer." "I am afraid my writing won't make sense to others." "It takes a long time." "I can't spell." And these are from neurotypical individuals. If it is true for them then it is true for those with Autism. Even the assignment can create a "meltdown" situation.
Executive Functioning Skills
The managing of one's self and resources in order to complete a task. Basically, it's a group of cognitive skills we use to organize. Writing requires well developed executive functioning skills which some children with Autism (and some neurotypicals) have yet to develop. (February is all about the EF!). In addition, many on the spectrum are very literal in their thinking patterns. This adds to the complexity of the written task.
Fine Motor Task
Small (fine) motor movements involve the coordination of small muscles in the hands and fingers for writing. There is some research indicating that those with Autism also have deficits in the brain where motor control is located. So it may look like a "will" issue with your student, it could be the will is the product of years struggling with the "skill" that has a neurological basis. In addition to the fine motor coordination needed, this system integrates with the perceptual system which could be another area of deficit.
Strictly Rule Based and is a Social Communication Tool
It's not always like the picture says. So many rules when you consider the spelling, capitalization, and punctuation. Then add in those regarding organizational structures, transitional terms, selecting the "best" vocabulary, and writing for the reader (AKA Judge) gives you a 4 or higher on the rubric makes writing a field full of landmines. Why enter at all?
CPS ASD Team
Supporting Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Their Families and The Teachers Who Educate Them
Strategies to Support Written Expression
Support executive functioning requirements by teaching the process of writing using visual support. Help to guide students through each step of the writing process including planning (selection of topic and audience), drafting, editing, revising, and final product. Always separate drafting and revising from editing. Provide scaffolds for writing such as; framed paragraphs, models, formula writing , graphic organizers, and picture writing. Provide written language models. The task is about written expression not handwritten, use pictures, word processors and voice to text support. Preteach vocabulary that may be needed. Teach it's about Write, not right. No two learners are the same so we expect to need to use differentiated instruction to meet the needs of each writer.
Please Don't Make Me Write!
All Children Can Write!
Language Arts Journal of Michigan
How to Teach Writing to Autistic Children
What Are All the Boxes?
These are QR codes. Use your smart phone or tablet QR reader and you have access to digital information tied to that QR code. To get a QR code reader go to the android Play Store or Apple App Store and search QR code reader. Pick one you like. Then open the app, point it at the code and read the information. Follow this one to some funny stuff from Calvin and Hobbes on writing.
December's Shining Light Recipient
Janelle Muntz Janelle has worked with several children with Autism and has two students this year with Autism. Janelle has a kind heart and high expectations for her students. She implements various strategies for her students with ease while continuously raising her expectations to promote growth and to meet student goals. Janelle works with the other adults in her classroom to ensure that everyone is on the same page with students and to ensure that every student has the opportunity to participate in daily activities. She's always trying to find new ways to do things and implement new strategies. Janelle is patient and understanding with her students. She celebrates their accomplishments not only with the student, but also with their parents and other teachers.