New Autistic Student- HELP

[Dreya]

I am getting 2 new autistic students. It is a full day Kindergarten program. Self-contained Applied Behavior Analysis program in the morning and inclusion in the afternoon. I don't know what to do with these 2 students during the self-contained morning session. My staff will be running ABA programs with other children. I have to assess both students before creating a program for them. While my TAs are running programs with other students.... what should I do with the 2 new students? I need to get to know these children before I create a program and I need to make a connection with them so they will be successful... any suggestions??

[fizz]

I am assuming that since you are using ABA you will need to be doing assessment in order to plan for them. Plaing games with them, such as simon says can give you lots of info about body parts, following directions, motor skills etc. You can use that information for assessment. I teach a self contained special needs kindergarten and have many autistic kids. They like all kids, have lots of interests and like to play. Depending on their present levels, almost anything you'd do with general ed kidos with modifications and accomodations will be good. Just have fun with them. Lots of tactile, hands on stuff is on target.

[leafy seadragon]

Also, find out what their special interests are. These can help you form a bond with them and also to create some high interest activities that will get them working with you so you can assess them. They will also need extra time to complete activities, so don't assume they can't do it if they don't do it straight away. The most important thing with new autistic students I find is to be clear and explicit about the rules and expectations from day one. They need to know how it all works and that you mean what you say. They may not like all the rules but if you hold steady they learn that's the way it is at school. Consistency is so important, it makes them feel safe. If the morning is to be seat work, then start it straight away - give them hands on activities, assess fine motor skills, matching activities etc. Puzzles are often a favourite. You need to find out about levels of communication and sensory issues to help them cope with their environment. Good luck, you are interested and caring, you will be fine.

[Dreya]

Leafy Dragon,
Thank you very much for your thoughtful reply. I appreciate your help... you mentioned many great things. I have been overwhelmed because I am not getting the help and support that I should be getting where I work. I am just trying to do the best that I can and keep my head above the water.

[avid reader]

I agree that you need to stay very consistent and mean what you say. If you make idle threats such as if you don't do your work then you can't listen to music and then you let them listen to music without completing their work then you will be doomed.
I have a downs student who occasionally brings toys from home and even though she pretends not to understand, I take her toys away and then she will buckle down and do her work. If I let her she would just sit and play with them and never do any tasks. It took me a long while to get her to understand that I mean business but she will listen to me and she does not to most people.
I have also had autistic children in the room all of varying levels, the same thing applies to them. Stay firm and be fair, and give clear directions to the students. They will catch on.

[Dreya]

yes, consistency is key.