Helpful Autism Tools and Supports

At your tables, write and discuss…

• What TANGIBLE THINGS would we find in your “Bag of Tricks” that would help you to make it through the Judson Center Summer Program?

TIMES UP! Now Let’s see what you came up with…

FidgetsSwingsTimersPECSFirst then chartsKarate PadsRunning shoesGames

Break roomMusicScheduleHands-on activitiesIpadEdiblesBehavior Plans

Give an example of when you used the items in your bag of tricks.

What did you use?How did you use it?Did it work? Did it not?

Which item from your bag of tricks do you use the most?

• Discuss with the people at your tables

What do you do when you’ve used

every item in your bag of tricks?

What are the INTANGIBLE things in your bag of tricks?

PatienceSillinessFlexibilityCreativityCommunication

GesturesKindnessUnderstandingCompassionOrganization

Communication(non-verbal, gestural, visual communicator,

receptive vs. expressive)

PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System)

Schedules Communication devices (NOVA, Ipads…)

Tools for Communication

• Simple language • Wait 30-45 seconds for processing• Offer choices• Be aware of how you sound

Social Supports

• Use child’s/teen’s interests to engage them with you and others

• Make being with others FUN!• Limit amount of “Solo” time• Social Stories

Sensory Supports(sensory input = regulated, even,

and calm)• Individuals with ASD have difficulty

processing sensory input/output • TACTILE• VESTIBULAR (aka movement)• AUDITORY• VISUAL• ORAL

Sensory Strategies• Sensory Systems: Tactile System

– Tactile Solutions• Alerting: light touch, unexpected touch, varying

textures• Calming: Deep pressure, slow stroking, expected

touch– Tactile Sensory Tools:

• Buckets with beans, rice, sand, packing peanuts• Shaving cream, finger paint, playdoh• Vibration• Hot and cold sensations• Ace wrap, lycra, body sacks• Texture play like slime and ooze• Squeeze toys and fidgets• Brushing, massage, lotion

Sensory Strategies• Sensory Systems: Proprioceptive System– Proprioceptive Solutions

• Alerting: fast paced, arrhythmic, quick changes• Calming: Slow stretch and pressure and heavy

resistance– Proprioceptive Sensory Tools:•Theraputty, theraband, and play-doh•Weighted vest •Stuffed animals on the lap•Vibration pens or toys•Carrying books or weights around

•Fidget toys•Heavy jobs•Chair push-ups•Joint Compressions/Hand Hugs•Deep Pressure Games

Sensory Strategies• Sensory Systems: Vestibular System– Vestibular Solutions

• Alerting: use fast movements• Calming: use slow, rhythmic movements

– Tactile Sensory Tools:• Swinging, spinning, rolling• Rocking Chair• Playground equipment: slides, swings, etc.• Walking breaks• Aerobics, movement time• Jumping

Sensory Strategies• Sensory Systems: Auditory System– Auditory Solutions

• Alerting: unexpected noises, fast and loud• Calming: slow, rhythmic, quiet music or sounds

– Auditory Sensory Tools:• Listening stations with books on tapes or

music• Tapes with environmental sounds, white

noise, classical music• Fluctuating or distracting noises• Loud banging toys, sound toys, blow toys• Singing, chanting, counting during therapy

Sensory Strategies• Sensory Systems: Visual System

– Visual Solutions• Alerting: great contract, bright colors or lights, moving or flashing

lights• Calming: expected lights, calm colors, rhythmic visual stimulation

– Visual Sensory Tools:• Visual Charts of schedules• Visual cues• Reading stations• Soft lighting, lava lamps• Visual stimulation toys• Fish tank• Bright lights or bright colors• Pinwheels bubbles, bubble wands• Slants Boards – work on the vertical

Sensory Strategies• Sensory Systems: Oral Motor System

– Oral Motor Solutions• Alerting: sweet, salty, spicy, whistles, cold• Calming: mint, rhythmic, singing, chanting, mushy,

soft, warm– Oral Motor Sensory Tools:

• Blowing Toys: bubbles, pinwheels, cotton balls, etc.

• Licking: ice cream, popsicles, lollipops• Varying foods: crunchy, chewy, sweet, spicy, sour,

etc.• Chew Toys, bubble gum, etc.

Sensory Strategies• Sensory Tips for Summer– Provide access to sensory tools in the

classroom– Provide sensory breaks when needed– Create daily activities that incorporate

sensory play into the activity– Be aware of sensory needs that may

be behavioral triggers

Remember to…

• Actively engage (BE it and DO it!)• Break it down• Get to know the kids/teens!• Celebrate success• Provide organized structure• Be fair, firm and FUN!• Don’t hesitate to ASK QUESTIONS!