The goal of most interventions in the treatment of autism and related pervasive developmental disorders is to help the individual gain independence. Self care can be challenging for some people with autism for a number of reasons. Many individuals with autism need help with activities that require fine motor skills. Fine motor skills are necessary to complete everyday activities like buttoning a shirt or closing a zipper. These tasks require hand-eye coordination, attention and some patience. Many individuals who have autism attend occupational therapy sessions that are designed to develop fine motor skills and gross motor skills. However, families can encourage fine motor activities throughout the day. There are plenty of options that promote these skills. Play Doh(R) is a wonderful tool for developing fine motor skills. The activity is often rewarding in itself and it can also be used as a tool for interaction as well as communication. Other fine motor activities include drawing, typing, lacing string and anything that requires some dexterity. Self help skills also face another great obstacle that many individuals with autism have. Sensory issues can be detrimental to the efforts of completing self care activities. For example, a child may not tolerate the feeling of a brush or comb in his hair. The intolerance is not due to non-compliance. It is often due to sensory issues.
What are common signs of autism?
Are there early signs of autism?
What are the five pervasive developmental disorders?
What is positive reinforcement?
What is negative reinforcement?
What is picture exchange communication system?
How is funding from foundations distributed?
What is the Autism Research Institute?
What is the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation?
What grants and programs are offered by the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation?
What is the Autism Society of America Foundation?
What scholarships are available through ASA?
What is the Special Needs Trust for Autism
What is the Autism Scholarship Program?
How can sign language help in the community setting?
How are visual schedules used in community settings?
Can PECS be used effectively in the community setting?
How are social stories used to prepare for a community setting?
How do families prepare for outings in the community setting.
What different educational settings are available for autisitc children?
What is the therapist's role in the classroom setting.
How does a therapist encourage the child to pay attention in class?
How can teachers help students make smooth transitions between activities?
How are social goals addressed in the school setting?
What are visual teaching strategies?
Are there basic tips for teachers who have autisitic students in their classrooms?
Are there books about autism in the classroom?
What problems are in the home environment?
What is Wraparound in the home?
How is communication addressed in the home environment?
What are some strategies to encourage compliant behavior at home?
How can families deal with negative behavior in the home?
What is non-negotiable behavior?
Why are self help skills a challenge in the home environment
Why do some researchers think that autism may be genetic?
What chromosomes are thought to be linked to autistic disorder?
How is technology used in the treatment of autism?
What are the benefits of using technology in the treament of autism?
Are there drawbacks to using technology in the treatment of autism?
What is the focus of treatments for autism?
What is the floortime treatment approach?
Should the same interventions be used in all cases of autism?
When did autism emerge on the scene of psychology?
What are self stimulatory behaviors?
How are sensory integration activities used?
What is the difference between a behavioral and analytical approach?
When is echolalia used as communication?
Is negative behavior ever a promising occurance?
How can choices help to increase compliant behavior?
How can negative behavior be addressed?
Are there new findings in autism research?
How can I manage a sibling relationship when one has autism?