Developing Motor and Social Skills

Activities for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

By (author) Christopher Denning

Publication date:

23 May 2017

Length of book:

112 pages

Publisher

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

ISBN-13: 9781475817645

This book focuses on motor and social skills development for young children with autism spectrum disorder and is geared toward special education teachers, general education teachers, and related personnel. This book will outline what we now know about how physical activity impacts children with Autism and how classroom teachers can use physical activity programs in their classrooms.

Dedication
Table of Figures
Table of Tables
Preface
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Chapter 1
Key questions
What do children with ASD need to succeed in school?
Evidence-based strategies and supports
Universal design for learning
Visual supports
Routines and procedures
Priming
Choice
Takeaways
References
Chapter 2
Key questions
Importance of motor development and physical activity
Challenge for children with ASD
Benefits of increased motor development and physical activity Optimizing the effects of physical activity and exercise
Takeaways
References
Chapter 3
Key questions
Links between motor and social development
Implications for classroom performance and support
Takeaways
References
Chapter 4
Key questions
Key ideas for organization
Structure
Setting
Materials
Frequency and duration
Child/adult ratio
Instructional methodologies
Universal design for learning
Activity schedules
Priming
Visual supports
Modeling and guided practice
Routines and procedures
Social narratives
Other considerations
References
Chapter 5
What does it look like?
Aerobic exercise or physical activity
How can I do it?
Aerobic exercise or physical activity?
Activities for physical activity/aerobic exercise
Motor development and complex motor movements
Activities for motor development and complex motor movements
Meditation or calming activity
Activities for meditation or calming activity
Where can I get more information?
Takeaways
References
Chapter 6
Key questions
Selection of target skills
Supporting skills in the classroom
Environmental modifications
Positive reinforcement
Picture schedules
Priming or previewing
Modeling and role play
Scripts or cue cards
Social narratives
Peer mediated interventions
Takeaways
References
Chapter 7
Key questions
Collaborating with families
Support
Communication
Participation
Feedback
IEP goals
Collaborating with other professionals
Physical education
Occupational therapists
Paraprofessionals
Takeaways
References

A wonderful new resource for special education teams serving students with ASD. Includes a multitude of fundamental and sequentially developmental physical/motor activities to get kids moving, promote health and well being, encourage social skills, and provides a foundation for success in attaining more advanced skills. Detailed instructions and illustrations support occupational and physical therapy team goals and make it easy for teachers, paraprofessionals, and families to help incorporate and reinforce repetition of movement and skill acquisition into the daily classroom and home routine. This is a terrific resource for all team members!