ABI Updates
Notes from the Autism and Behavior Interventionist
April 2020
- Autism Awareness Month
- Focused Attention Practices - short activities that students (and you!) can use to regulate
- Taking Care of YOU
- Occupational Therapy Month
- A link to the IDOE COVID-19 Resource Page - **newly designed and updated this week**
April is Autism Awareness Month
In 1972, the Autism Society launched the first annual National Autistic Children’s week, which evolved into National Autism Awareness Month (NAAM).
The Autism Society recognizes that the prevalence of autism in the United States has risen from 1 in 125 children in 2010 to 1 in 59 in 2020 (1 in 54 now in Indiana)– recognizing this continued increase, the goal for NAAM is to further increase awareness about autism signs, symptoms and opportunities through information and referrals, events, printable and digital resources, and community partnerships with businesses and organizations dedicated to building inclusive experiences.
10 things....
You may have previously seen an article about 10 things that your student with Autism wishes you knew. If not, click here! This month, I'd like to share 10 things that students with Autism have taught me.
#10. In a busy world, sometimes it's nice to focus on one thing. We tend to miss the details. My students have shown me joy that can come from hyperfocus. Did you know that there are 9 distinct types of train engine? (Don't quote me on that!) Also, apparently I have exactly eight moles on my face :)
#9. Repetition can be comforting. Repetition helps cement knowledge and can reassure an anxious mind. (Repetition keeps my brain from forgetting what I walked into the kitchen for.)
#8. We all thrive on routine and schedules. (I mean aren't you feeling that one right now?!)
#7. The spoken word is not needed to build connection.
#6. We need time together and we need time alone. Alone and lonely are not synonymous. Eye contact does not equal engagement.
#5. Live in the moment. It's ok to stop and notice the flapping wings of a butterfly, how the sunlight reflects off a spinning wind thingy or really feel the texture of a wall.
#4. Say what you mean and mean what you say. Usually when a student tells me, "Well that's not what you said" and I think back, they are usually right.
#3. The world really does need more quirky.
#2. Visuals are good for everyone. We all use them, we all need them.
#1. It's a gift to be able to take the time to know someone who sees the world differently than you.
What have your students with Autism taught you? There's so much to know and learn that I literally could share pages of great stuff. Here's just a few:
Focused Attention Practices
Wellness Strategies for YOU during Distance Learning
- A grounding technique to reduce stress
- A 5 minute body scan meditation
- An eye break to keep our eyes healthy as we stare at screens more than normal
- A short chair yoga break to keep our body's feeling fine during extended work at a computer
- The Science of Happiness Course
As you are learning new tech and attending Zoom meetings, etc, please be sure to take care of your mind and body during this time as most of us are not used to this much sitting and managing this new reality of online teaching and social distancing! Social distancing does not mean emotional isolation. Stress, fatigue and a sedentary lifestyle can affect our immune systems, so please stay well!
April is Occupational Therapy Month
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy helps people across the lifespan tdo the things they want and need to do, also known as Activities of Daily Living. Occupational Therapists enable people of all ages to live life to its fullest by helping them promote health, and prevent—or live better with—injury, illness, or disability. OT in the school setting supports students with their fine motor skills, self-care, self-regulation and executive functioning skills.
What made you decide you wanted to be an OT? In high school, a friend of mine suffered a severe hand injury which required him to have occupational therapy. He talked about his therapy sessions and how much the OT was helping him through his recovery. I went to a treatment session with him and saw first hand (no pun intended) what occupational therapy was all about and I was hooked!
Where did you go to school? I completed my undergraduate education at Hanover and IUPUI. I received my Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from UIndy or the University of Indianapolis as it was known back in my day.
What is your favorite part of being an OT? My favorite part of working as an OT is being a problem solver! I get to take a problem or a situation that is a challenge for a student, analyze various aspects of what is happening for that student, and help come up with a plan that will ultimately improve his or her ability to function at school. I also enjoy working with the families. As a parent of two teenage daughters, I am so grateful for the many people who have helped them along the way on their journey to grow and learn, The fact that I get to be one of those 'people' for students/families at DCSC is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.
What aspect of your job might surprise people? I get asked all the time if I help people find jobs! I think many people associate OTs with helping to develop fine motor skills. That is a large part of what I do but I also work with students on social-emotional learning, self-regulation, to work through behavior challenges, provide assisted technology solutions, and develop strategies for students to improve their ability to participate in activities of daily living, like zipping a coat or getting through the lunch line. My job is to make each student I work with function at his or her highest level and that often means addressing challenges in multiple areas.
What is one of your favorite memories from being an OT? One of my favorite memories as an OT was planning a trip to Disney World! Not for myself, but helping a family come up with a successful sensory plan for their son in preparation for their trip. This student had significant sensory sensitivities and the whole family was nervous about how he would handle being in one of the most sensory rich environments in the world. When I received the pictures of him and his family standing in front of Cinderella's castle, all smiling ear to ear, it made my day! They had a great trip and have made it a regular vacation every year....and still send me pictures each time they visit! Moments like these are why I love my job!
IDOE COVID-19 Resource Page
Lisa Peterson
Danville Community School Corporation
Email: lpeterson@brownsburg.k12.in.us
Location: 1425 West Lincoln Street, Danville, IN, USA
Phone: 317-745-5491