February

January

We have all seen power struggles. They occur when two people are trying to dominate in one way or another - in school, home, and community. Children with autism spectrum disorder often engage in this type of behavior with the adults who teach and support them. If you find yourself involved in this type of struggle with your student or child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), realize that they most likely need to develop more appropriate problem solving, negotiation, self-regulation, and social competence skills. It is essential that those who approach situations from a "power angle", receive instruction immediately because those who use this type of behavior can experience serious difficulties later in life.

Visit the OCALI lending library for resources on this topic including:

Successful Problem Solving: For Students with high-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders by Kerry Mataya and Penney Owens

December

December brings not only the holidays but extended time that children are at home. If you are traveling during the holidays or just staying home with family, prepare your child by providing visual supports for any new event. Visual supports may include a calendar of daily events, a schedule for the actual holiday, photographs of who will be involved, or a picture of the location where the event will take place. And if traveling, it's a good idea to bring things to do in the car or on a plane. Don't forget to provide choices for meals, seating and activities, as well as a home base area if time away from the celebration is needed.

For great ideas on how to prepare for travel, check out the following OCALI Lending Library resources:

Top Ten Tips by Teresa Cardon
Out and About: Preparing Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders to Participate in Their Communities by Bixler Coffin and Jill Hudson
Party Planning for Children and Teens on the Autism Spectrum by Kate Reynolds