Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a life-long developmental disorder that affects a child’s development in three main areas: social, communication and behaviour/play. Diagnosis Who can make the diagnosis? Diagnosis can be made by a medical doctor, psychologist or psychiatrist, preferably …
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Many children with ASD are visual learners. This means they understand and remember information better when the see and hear it rather than just hearing it. Visual Schedules What is a visual schedule: A visual schedule shows what activity is …
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Vestibular stimulation is the input that your body receives when you experience movement or gravity. It can be mild; nodding your head or climbing stairs or it can be intense; skydiving or a rollercoaster Characteristics of Vestibular Dysfunction Vestibular input …
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A transition occurs when a child is required to change location, activity, environment or position. Transitions are often difficult for many children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Why are transitions difficult? Transitions are often difficult for children with ASD. Due …
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40-70% of child with Autism Spectrum Disorder have sleep disturbances that negatively affect their functioning and the functioning of their families. If the child with ASD is sleep deprived, one or both of their parents are also sleep deprived. Sleep …
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Many individuals with ASD have difficulties processing sensory information. Some or all of the child’s senses may be affected by this. Each child with ASD will have a unique sensory profile. Sensory Processing Difficulties Sensory systems: There are seven sensory …
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Reinforcement provides external motivation when a child is learning a new skill or working hard at managing their behaviour. An event that follows behaviour and increases the probability of that behaviour occurring again is a reinforcer. Types of Reinforcement Social …
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Proprioception is the feedback you get from you joints, muscles and tendons that tells you where your body is in space and assists with motor control and motor planning. Characteristics of Proprioceptive Dysfunction Experiencing difficulties with touch, balance or movement. …
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Prompting is a way of assisting a child to perform a specific response after a given instruction. The instructor/teacher provides a cue to elicit a specific behaviour from a child/student. There are 5 types of prompts. Verbal Prompt: Providing verbal …
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“Food for Thought” 75% of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder experience atypical eating patterns and have limited food preferences. Tips to support good eating Routines: Establish clear routines around meals and snacks. Try to ensure that they occur at consistent …
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