powerpoint from asa 2014 presentation: walls as working memory
DESCRIPTION
Executive Function disabilities are common in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Working around them requires specific strategies that build on strengths, differing from how "most people" do tasks, to be successful. Visual supports and relatively low cost, low tech, environmental modifications can contribute to successful independent functioning through the lifespan. Executive Function disabilities are common in ASD. Working around them requires specific strategies that build on strengths, differing from how "most people" do tasks, to be successful. The two presenters of this session are adults on the spectrum, and both have limited incomes. One of us is a young adult, living on her own, working and attending University. The other is the parent-financial, medical, educational and social coordinator for a family of three, all on spectrum, who previously was the household coordinator of a family of six. The four older kids, all of whom have significant Autistic characteristics, are now out and on their own. A variety of visual supports can contribute to successful independent functioning through the lifespan. It is unfortunate that so many providers and parents believe visual schedules and charts to be applicable to only young children, as they are useful for anyone. This is why consultants earn huge sums developing timelines and other visuals for corporate and governmental America. For many people on the spectrum, visuals are crucial, for out of sight truly is out of mind. Because of our own experiences and situations, we emphasize relatively low cost, low tech, environmental modifications. We also define success in a manner that does not hold people to unattainable guidelines, as that is counterproductive to functioning in the real world.TRANSCRIPT
Habitat Autistification
Or, how walls and shelves can be the best external executive functions ever.
Things to Think About
What am I struggling with? How does my brain work? How much space do I have? What other resources do I have? Does anyone else share the space? Do other people help with functions here? What am I capable of actually implementing?
Example Time! I can't actually remember to do things, or what
lives in my fridge, or what I need... If I cannot see it, it does not exist. At least not
when I need it to exist. If I don't have a way of marking a thing done, it doesn't register as such.
Handwritten posters, notecards, lists are about what I've got. And I do like velcro...
Apps are not something that I can generally use in a helpful way
Money is limited.
Example 2: The Second Presenter Three Autistics live in our home. All have
different needs and one gets help from a PCA. We have both dietary issues and outsiders in
the kitchen. One person here has vision issues so contrast
and clarity are important. One person is a young student. One person is self employed and one has to
keep to an irregular, employer-set schedule. Money is limited. Financial situation is complex
and there is a lot of paperwork with deadlines.
Example 3: for a kid I know
Struggles with remembering morning routine
If she gets on the computer, nothing else is happening.
Likes smiley faces and checkboxing things.
Oh look, I have left over posterboard and velcro...
Executive Function: Critical Areas
1. Time
2. Paper
3. Stuff
4. Food
5. Medical
6. Work and School
Time
Calendar (by door)
Schedules (On door)
Ordering of processes /flow charts
Rhythm of Life
Routines can be helpful – developing them varies
PaperFunction of Stuff and Time
Issues:
Keeping track
Being Timely
Being legible
Solutions
Large Ziplocs
Folders
Labeled Fileboxes
Multifunction printer, software
Stuff
Example: Clothing
Problem: Can't find it - buy more
Solution : Keep it in plain sight
Backup: diagram
Put right away
Divided drawers
StuffExample: Toys, Books, Other
Problem: Where are they?
Solution :
Keep it in plain sight
Label boxes, or
Clear boxes or
Clear lids
Problem:
Breakage
Loss
Solution:
Sturdy Containers
Consistent places
Routine for putting away
Not this.....
or
This.
Try this, this, or this
StuffExample: Kitchen/bath
Problems:
Multiple users
Everyday use
Multiple sets of materials
Solutions
Color Coding
In Plain Sight
See through containers
Open Cupboards
Glass Doors
Like with Like
FoodProblems
Waste
What is there ?
Helpers in the Kitchen
Diet issues
Solutions
In plain sight
See-through containers
Labeling!
Color coding
Lists
Like with like
MedicalTime/Paper/Self-care
Problems:
Medications
Appointments
Solutions:
In Plain Sight
Lists
Schedules
Routines
Folders, magnets, clips, and containers
Meds in container, routine includes a cup –
Scheduled appts from fridge magnet to front door
Medical - Self-careAnd in the nice theory, but it does
not meet specs department, we have......
Doesn't accommodate “as needed” meds
Not portable
Some meds can't be stored together
Doesn't accommodate time agnosia
Time consuming
Doesn't accommodate med refills on varied dates
School/WorkWhere stuff, time, and paper intersect
Problems:Deadlines
Time Management
Legibiity
Solutions:In Plain Sight
Lists
Schedules
Routines
Color Coding
Like with like
Labels are helpful
Schedules, timelines, software can help
Coming and GoingLeaving the nest: different for everyone, lots of stuff
to remember
Visuals That I Made:
Sometimes things evolve...
More Fine Tuning
Tying it all together (I'm like that)
Regulating Social Input
Useful toolsComputer programs and a multi-
function printer can be usefulWorksheet Wizard lets you type and draw on any Acrobat file
Word (or similar) lets you make tables like the clothing diagram to the right
Simplemind flowcharts – for decision trees and packing lists
And About the Sainted “Apps”....
Trello Issues
Time consuming
Out of sight, out of mind
Cumbersome setup process
Inflexible
AppsAnyList Issues
Took a long time to set up
Concept was great, execution difficult
Requires an account to save
Inflexible in how it categorizes foods
Difficult to change categories, eg canned vs fresh
AppsInformant issues
Cumbersome to set up
Requires upgrade ($14.99 ;$14.99/yr to synch) in order to colorcode, have notes or to-do list, location support, set up task folders beyond a week.
Out of sight, out of mind
Apps
MyHomework IssuesRequires account to set reminders, add info, sync, full accessibility via color changing
Privacy issues w/account
Out of sight, out of mind
Teacher communication requires coordination and account.
Apps
The Homework App Issues
Distracting full screen moving and talking ads.
Because of ad noise, could not use in class, on site
Need to remember to mute,
No notification nag function
Paid upgrade required for subtasks, instructor contact, sharing options.
Out of sight, out of mind
Sourcing useful resources
Simplemind (multiple platforms) http://www.simpleapps.eu/simplemind/
Open Office (free, open source) https://www.openoffice.org/
Worksheet Wizard (windows) www.readingmadeez.com/products/
WorksheetWizard.html
Sharing Time!
Let's help each other now. Ideas? Need suggestions? Time to put our brains together.