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Tip of the Week for October 29th, 2012

"Splinter" Skills ?
 
Many children and teens with High Functioning Autism (HFA) and Asperger's (AS) exhibit "splinter" skills in the social-thinking arena.  For example, the individual with AS might greet people with enthusiasm, shaking hands and impressing adults with their rich vocabularies.  As adults, we often make the untrue assumption that the individual has therefore mastered less complex social thinking skills, like the skills that--in a neurotypical child--might have developed in infancy or toddlerhood.  We need to back up and ensure that the child or teen with AS has learned to follow others' eye gaze in order to discern who's speaking, and who the speaker's intended listener is.  Many children and teens with AS "blurt out" in class a lot, partly because they have never been taught to follow the teacher's eye-gaze.  As teachers and parents we can begin to teach this skill by drawing a line in the air with our hand and extending it out to the person we're talking to.  We can say, "I'm looking at ________, I'm thinking about__________, and I want _________to answer me, while simultaneously WITHHOLDING eye contact from the individual with AS.  We can also begin to verbalize our own "sub-conscious" internal dialogue as a way of "breaking down" the social scenario for the individual with AS.  
 
Please visit Michelle Garcia Winner's website, socialthinking.com for additional ideas and curriculum regarding social thinking.

Book of the Week: 
Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum: A Parent's Guide to the Cognitive, Social, Physical and Transition Needs of Teenagers with Autism Spectrum DisordersChantal Sicile-Kira. Perigee, 2006. "... a complete guide to the cognitive, emotional, social, and physical needs of preteens and teenagers with autistic disorders, ranging from the relatively mild Asperger's Syndrome to more severe ability impairment. Using clear examples, practical advice, and supportive insights, this book covers: health risks such as seizures and depression; treatments, therapies, and teaching strategies; teaching skills to cope with puberty, self-care, and social skills; teenage emotions, sexuality, appropriate relationships, and dating; middle school, high school, and developing an Individual Educational Program; preparing for life after high school."

This book is in the SESA Library. You may search the library catalog via the SESA website, or contact Anne directly by email at [email protected] or by phone at 907-334-1301.
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