Autism Aware
Building Understanding of Autism in Families and Beyond
Volume 1, Issue 2 ...................................................... October 2017
Allison Eitreim, Autism Specialist
This is a quarterly newsletter, published in August, October, January, and May. Contact Allison if you'd like to receive it!
Email: allison.eitreim@isd518.net
Website: www.draggo.com/aeitreim
Location: Worthington School, 1700 1st Ave SW, Worthington, MN, United States
Phone: 507-727-1250
Facebook: facebook.com/AutismSWMinnesota
Twitter: @allisonautism
Mountaintop Thinking
Regional Autism Network Gathering
This gathering is a place for parents, professionals and people in our community to network together and learn about Autism Spectrum Disorder and ways to support those impacted by it.
At November's gathering we will:
Learn about the 5 point scale for self regulation
Gain understanding of the IEP and how to advocate for a great team for your child
Have time for networking and asking questions from professionals
You will go home with: IEP Binder Organization & Forms and a 5 point scale for your child.
Registration is encouraged, but not required. This is a free event and open to all. Interpreters are available upon request. A spanish interpreter will be present, but if you need a different language please call and request ahead of time. Child care is available upon request as well. Light refreshements provided.
SAVE THE DATE for this year's schedule of Regional Autism Network Gatherings!!!
September 11, 2017
November 13, 2017
February 12, 2018
April 30, 2018
Monday, Nov 13, 2017, 06:30 PM
Worthington High School, Clary Street, Worthington, MN, United States
Understanding the IEP.....
Your child’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) can be confusing to look at and read. But knowing what goes in it can help you make sense of it. Come learn about what is all in the IEP at our next Regional Autism Network Gathering! You can also use the resource below to understand the different parts of your child's IEP. You will take home forms to put into your own IEP binder!
Knowledge Nugget:
1 in 68 people are identified with Autism. That means that most likely all of us will be impacted by someone with it. Whether it is in our own home, extended family, daycare, school, neighborhood, church, job, or passing in the grocery store aisle, we will all benefit from understanding the strengths and weaknesses of someone we know with Autism. Autism is a disorder that affects a person's ability to interact socially and communicate effectively with others. Some individuals with Autism experience very high intelligence while others face a severe cognitive impairment. Many with Autism have sensory processing difficulties. This could be seen through an insistence on following routines, an unusually intense interest in certain topics, or repetitive movements.
Each person identified with Autism is unique. No two people have the exact same characteristics of the disorder. Much has been learned about Autism and there are many strategies and interventions that empower a person with Autism to live functional and fulfilled lives!
Strategies that Make a Difference!
Use a 5 POINT SCALE to reduce anxiety and stress!
A 5 Point Scale is used to help individuals become aware of their emotions, such as anger or pain, and the stage or level of the emotion. Using the scale, the person rates his emotions or how he/she is feeling. Possible areas of focus may include: anger, worry, anxiety, voice level, body space, etc. Using this scale teaches the individual how to self- regulate emotions and manage personal behavior. It is an extremely effective tool with both high functioning autism and low, younger children and adults.
This allows the adult to understand how the person with autism is feeling and it gives a number and/or color instead of trying to describe or name an emotion, which is very difficult. Given that the majority of individuals with ASD are visual learners, this 5 point scale allows them to think efficiently in order to make good decisions in a variety of situations. It gives a very abstract concept, such as emotions, a concrete way to understand and manage them.
Steps to use the 5 point scale:
1. Choose the target behavior.
2. Decide on the content for each scale point associated with the target behavior. What does a 1 look like? and a 2, 3, etc. up to 5.
3. Develop a visual cue for each level or scale point, for the target behavior. The story or visual cue should be developed carefully based on the student’s interest or level of understanding. It should explain how the scale is to be used.
4. Introduce the scale to the student.
5. Practice the scale with the student, revising it if necessary. Adults, including Parents, Teachers, or other, in the setting, can help by using the scale with the student in various situations.
Come to the Regional Autism Network Group November 13th to learn more about using a 5 point scale for your needs.