Learning Opportunities

In this learning opportunity, you will:

• understand how visual supports, schedules and classroom organization can facilitate learning and communication for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
• understand how to choose and implement strategies which might be most effective for children with ASD.
• understand social stories, how they may be used and will be able to view a variety of visual supports and social stories.
• have the opportunity to construct a visual support or social story.

You will also have the opportunity to explore ways of modifying and adapting classroom work to meet the needs of students with ASD. Differentiation by outcome and task will be discussed in the context of supporting students with ASD to succeed.

As well, Executive Functioning (EF), which is an overarching term that refers to the processes that enable physical, cognitive, and emotional self-control will be discussed. Deficits in EF are often present in neurodevelopmental disorders. EF includes skills such as organizing, planning, sustaining attention, and inhibiting inappropriate responses.

In this session, you will explore the impact of EF difficulties in individuals with ASD and will consider how you as teachers and peers can support those on the spectrum to develop these skills.

Target Audience

Classroom Teachers, Educational Assistants and Parents of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder