Autism Spectrum Disorder

1 in 68

children have a diagnosis of autism

What is ASD?

TELL US YOUR STORY:

Autism is a neurological disorder that is characterized by
challenges with social interaction, communication and

repetitive behaviour.

This means, the way they process information is very different from the way that we do. As a result, their reactions and behaviours are different from ours as well. We'll show you how and why in the activity section!

What does ASD look like?

To try and spot it, click here!

Autism can look very different from person to person. It us up to us to assess the needs of each individual and provide as much or as little support as is needed.

Overcoming Challenges

Communication

Whether the symptoms are mild or severe, each individual with autism will struggle with communication and social interactions in some way, shape, or form. Some individuals with autism are nonverbal, while others are very verbal. Regardless, those who are verbal may have trouble understanding when it's their turn to speak, how to ask questions and at times, how to address others politely.

Ways to Communicate with Someone with ASD

People with ASD use a variety of methods of communication.
The most common methods of communication are:

Verbal Language
Sign Language
PECS
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices
Body Language

Sign

PECS

First/Then Board

AAC Device

Body Language

Behaviour

There is a common misconception that when people talk about behaviour that they are referring to “bad” behaviour but the truth is behaviour can be good or bad. There are behaviours that we find to be “good” for example raising your hand before you speak in class and there are behaviours we find to be “bad” such as talking while the teacher is talking during class. Behaviour is something that as humans we learn throughout life due to reinforcement or punishment. By using reinforcement, you can modify the behaviour of your participant(s) to increase good behaviour at camp!

Behaviour is defined as anything you can see or hear

TERMS TO KNOW

Positive Reinforcement: the addition of anything that makes the behaviour more likely to occur again in the future.

Negative Reinforcement: the removal of something that makes the behaviour more likely to occur again the future.

Reinforcers: something used to motivate someone to engage in a task or to engage in a behaviour

Example of Positive Reinforcement

Behaviours an Individual with ASD may Engage in

People with autism may struggle with behavioural difficulties when it comes to transitions, changes in routine, processing information, or for physical reasons such as feeling hungry. They may also engage in self-injurious behaviour or physically challenging behaviour such as hitting, biting, or spitting. People with autism that do not have an effective means of communication are more likely to engage in self-injurious behaviour and physically challenging behaviour. Once you determine the purpose of the behaviour and what is motivating it you can appropriately respond to it.

Think of reinforcement as something that you find to be rewarding!

Think of positive in terms if addition & negative in terms of subtraction!

Think of reinforcers as things someone likes or has interest in!

What Motivates Behaviour

Deprivation
Satiation

Functions of Behaviour

Sensory
Escape
Attention
Tangibles (objects)

Setting Events

The context or circumstance behind why the behaviour is occurring. They typically precede behaviour or overlap with behaviour.

Strategies fo Managing Behaviour

Sensory

Redirection
Engage your participant

Escape

First, Then Statements
Combine desired activities with undesired activities
Daily schedule

Attention

Ignoring inappropriate behaviour
Praising appropriate behaviour
Interacting with your participant often

Tangibles (Objects)

How to Ensure Their Success at Camp

People with ASD have the ability to have a fun-filled and memorable camp experience! As their support worker you are able to provide them with an inclusive environment where they can develop friendships and participate in all the activities camp has to offer!

Strategies to Ensure Their Success at Camp

Have a positive attitude
Create a bond with your participant
Communicate with your participant
Be interactive
Be patient
Be proactive
Facilitate interactions between your participant and other campers
Encourage their participation in camp programming
Modify/adapt games and activities to suit your participant’s abilities
Advocate for your participant

Time warnings
Countdowns
Praise your participant when they ask for an item/activity appropriately
Praise your participant when they give up their preferred item/activity

Strategies for Manging Behaviour When You Know of Setting Events

Give breaks as needed
Give them a small snack
Increase preferred activities
Communicate with your participant

Check in with your participant throughout the day

Something to think about: What do recreational opportunities create for people with exceptionalities?

Aggressive Behaviour You May See

Aggressive behaviours can happen at camp sometimes despite your best efforts to manage your participant's behaviour. Hitting, kicking, slapping, pinching, biting, pushing, hair pulling, yelling, and throwing objects are some examples of aggressive behaviour.

Tips on Handling Aggressive Behaviour

When handling bites, pinching and hair pulling you have to feed into it. Resist the urge to pull away and instead firmly put your hand over their hand and hold it closer to your skin (when dealing with pinching and hair pulling). When it comes to bites, you have to also resist the urge to pull away and hold your hand close to their mouth until they release. When handling hitting, kicking, or object throwing stand at a diagonal to your participant so that you are not in their line of fire. Clear the area to remove anything they can throw or ask others to move away so that they are not kicked or hit. You must communicate to your participant that their behaviour is not appropriate and ask them to stop so you can them can talk to address their needs. When your participant is yelling provide them with corrective feedback "Sabrina, I don't like it when you yell it's not okay to yell at camp". You can bring your participant to a quiet space to talk about the situation.