Hacker Widow » Autism

Center Activities #6

Kim Fahrni — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 15:31:01 +0000

This post is showing one of the activities used to teach color recognition.

First, I chose a picture that could be divided into colored parts. I believe this was just a piece of clip art from the computer. You can also use simple color books for pictures. They do need to be at least 6-8″ large to allow for the student to be able to manipulate.

I colored each section separately.

Then, I colored corresponding colors on the tips of cloths pins.

Center Activities #5

Kim Fahrni — Fri, 07 May 2010 15:40:25 +0000

This activity is to introduce word families. Pick some fairly common “chunks”.

Then take the time to figure out all the letters that will create words. Some can be used in more than one “family”.

Attaching the velcro will help the child see the word.

I usually attach long strips somewhere on the folder to hold the pieces when not in use. Remember… velcro is our friend. :0D

Center Activities #4

Kim Fahrni — Tue, 04 May 2010 15:33:22 +0000

I’ve talked about categorizing quite a bit, so I decided to hit math. I’ve been with my student for about 3 years. So we have had to grow quite a bit. this was one of the earlier folders she used. I made it for the purpose of number recognition and counting. This was actually just a handout in her Kindergarten class. I decided to make 2 copies.

I colored both copies and cut them out. I glued the first set onto a filefolder and glued the second set to card stock and laminated everything.

I attached velcro and she was ready to go. This can be done a variety of ways depending on your child. ;0)

Center Activities #3

Kim Fahrni — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 05:52:36 +0000

This activity is very simple. The autistic girl I am with, has very weak fine motor skills. So we work ALOT on handwriting. I try to get her to practice 4- 5 times throughout the day. This is one of the things we have her do. First, I got some large graph paper.

Next, I highlighted the words she’s currently practicing. We started with her name. Once she mastered that, we moved on to simple words.

Outlining the block the word is in, helps give a boundary to the child. In this case, we are trying to teach proper proportion along with spelling.

You can highlight in different colors. It really doesn’t matter to some children. You can stop there, and let the child use a pencil to trace. You can also laminate and bind the pages creating a reusable book. The idea being to gradually wean the child off of the highlighting. Enjoy!!

Center Activities #2

Kim Fahrni — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 22:25:25 +0000

This is the second installment of center activites created to help children in the mainstream classroom. These folders are for categorizing.

I found this picture simply by browsing around the internet. There are some great sites out there. Don’t give up… I cut out the bear, made a “dirty clothes hamper” by folding over card stock and stapling up each side. I glued the bear onto a file folder and laminated it. I then attached the hamper with velcro and placed pieces of velcro on the bear.

Next, I down loaded several different outfits, cut them out and laminated.

I then attached velcro to the back of the pieces of clothes. Then let the child go! You can ask who would wear certain items, i.e. clown or doctor. You can also make it as simple as “Where are the Clown’s pants?” “Which shirt goes with it?” Sky’s the limit.

I have even used a paper doll set I found.

Same idea with the clothes.

Have fun with it!! :0)

Center Activities 1#

Kim Fahrni — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 22:04:11 +0000

As you may have noticed in previous posts, I am a Behavior aide. I am currently working with a 7 year old autistic girl. I have been with her for almost 3 years now. And in trying to mainstream her, I’ve had to modify the curriculum quite often to fit her needs. At first, I was completely stumped. What could I do, at her level, that would be similar to what the rest of the class was learning. I started combing the internet, found a lot of good ideas and tried to modify them to fit our needs. I will post the basic ones here, from time to time, to help those, who like me, need ideas by the dozens.

BASIC WORD RECOGNITION
I created a series of center activities to help with word recognition. There are several different levels. You can start with basic single letters, numbers,or you can do words as I show.

I started with an easel style pocket chart.

Next, you write simple words on 3×5 cards.

Then write the corresponding word on a second card.

Then simply have the child match the words as they say them aloud.

This is a great activity and can be varied in all sort of directions.

ENJOY

Comparision between Alzheimers and Autism.

Kim Fahrni — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 01:59:49 +0000

I guess you can say I have a unique perspective on this subject. My father has Alzheimer’s and I work in an elementary school helping kids with special needs “mainstream”. I currently aide a student with moderate to severe autism. I am constantly amazed by the similarities of the two. First, the frustration levels. All is good until you require them to do unfamiliar tasks. Almost instant volcano. BOOM!! Both will react with rage, physical and emotional. If that doesn’t redirect the request, then they go to belligerence. In the case of my student, she’s non-verbal, so she whines and moans. My dad, belittles and insults. Second, both have repetitive requests and questions. Over and over, the same things. I try to be patient…but wow. The only difference, I am extremely excited when I see my student learn a new word or action. It makes everything worthwhile. Sadly, I know that my Father will never be able to regain what he’s lost. So I sit with him, answer his questions over and over, hoping that the next time I visit, he’ll remember my name.