Autism Question?

Question

I work with low fuctioning autisic teenagers at a high school. I'm a special education assistiant level II. Many of our students are non-verbal. Only three can talk at a low level. I am trying to find out more information on how to work with these wonderful students. All the books and information I have found is for higher functioning autisics or aspergers in pre-school or elementary school. Any suggestions??

Answer 1

i like baseball teach them baseball baseball is fun weeee!!!!

Answer 2

Its important to remember what autism actually is.  That will probably allow you to frame how you want to work with them.  From what I know it is that they lack the ability to distinguish from themselves and others.  This is an important ability in our world.  So you might try making up some exercises that will help them to do that better.  Good Luck!!

Answer 3

read this http://www.lulu.com/content/1225081

Answer 4

I am the parent of a young child with lf autism. The book I found the most insightful when I first began my quest for information was Engaging Autism by Dr Stanley Greenspan, the man behind Floortime Remediation. This book will really help you understand how to approach and engage  someone with Autism. Another invaluable book would be More than Words, this is a book to help parents and educators discover different ways to encourage communication in non-verbal children. You will definitely be able to apply it to non-verbal teens as well. These 2 books are a great start and will really give you tools to connect with these teens. I applaud your dedication! Thanks!

Answer 5

I would start by asking for suggestions from the speech therapist that works with those students.  The therapist often has ideas or would appreciate extra reinforcement of things they are working on with particular students.  Also, the students' previous teachers may be able to give you insight into things that have worked or not worked, as well as things that might spark their interest. That being said, read everything you can about it!  I have seen picture schedules and photo books be very successful for some students to communicate through, as well as more technical picture communication systems (such as a PECS book/system) that are set up by the special education team working with a student.

Most importantly, everyone wants to communicate when they're talking about something they like...get to know your students (the best you can) and what they are interested in!

This is a page with info about teens/adults with autism:

http://www.autismspeaks.org/howtogrow/in...

Answer 6

Hi,

I work with adults with developmental disabilities, including autism.  Some are completely non-verbal.  There are many different forms of communication.  Sometimes a good place to start is to help your students make a picture book of people, places or activities they engage in that they may be able to 'choose.'  

Sometimes you may need to start really basic, like between 2 choices.  Take pictures of each, and work on having your student choose.  Make it choices that you WILL follow through with, so there is a positive connection.  

Digital cameras are great because you can take lots of pictures and print them out, and change the book daily, weekly or monthly.

You can also try small recordable devices.  Someone can speak simple sentences.  Then give your student the option of pushing the button.  It may not technically be his/her voice....but, you've now given him/her some kind of voice.

There are , of course, very high-tech augmentative communication devices that are wonderful.  As you probably know, these are expensive.  Start small and simple.  Sometimes those are the things that work best!

Answer 7

well u have to work with them over and over again like there babies trying to talk they'll improve or they will never come out of it my cousin is autistic and speaks like he's 3 but now my aunt and uncle worked with him he's doing better he'd flap his hands and it scares me!!!

Answer 8

google it - see how other peopl in the same position have solved the issue =] gud luck!

Answer 9

Try using the link below for a google search. Also, try helping them communicate in any way possible, and try your hardest to understand them.