The follow is a list of potential areas for growth with an ASD student and strategies to help the child. It is usually recommended that a Functional Behavior Assessment or Analysis be done in conjunction with any strategies listed below (or anywhere else on this website).
- Social Understanding: As noted in Treatment Options, a powerful took can be the use of Social Stories, Comic Strip Conversations, Social Thinking curriculum/language. For more information about social thinking, please visit Michelle Garcia Winner's wonderful website.
- Receptive Communication: As noted in Recommendations for Teacher, the use of visual supports (schedules, written directions, routines) as well as black and white language and allowing extra processing time.
- Expressive Communication: Adults should try to teach scripted language for expected behavior and replace inappropriate social language. A helpful curriculum for this is Social Detectives written by Michelle Garcia Winner.
- Sensory Processing Differences: Adults should try to increase or decrease stimulation (consult school based Occupational Therapists for potential ideas), direct teaching related to sensory challenges and review behaviors and coping strategies.
- Executive Functioning Limitations: The use of routines, schedules, agendas, check-ins, checklists, a peer buddy, timers, preferential seating, specific technology, in addition to other potential accommodations can be helpful.
- Psychological/Emotional: The child should have access to both in school and out of school counseling services depending on the severity of the emotional or behavioral demands.
