The Burkhart Center
for Autism Education & Research
Module Three: Social and Behavioral Issues

 
 
Module Three

Behavior Overview
Behavior in ASD
Social Behavioral Effects
Managing Behavior
Different Approaches
Glossary
About the Authors

 

    

 

 

Module Two Burkhart Center Home TTU Special Education Module One Module Three

Social Stories

Learning Styles

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders take note of small details and learn best when new concepts and skills are presented one step at a time with visual cues.
The following is an excerpt from an interview conducted by Sarah Hendley with a teacher of an individual on the spectrum:

My Social Stories Book by Carol Gray & Abbie Heigh White

A Social Story

  • is a process that results in a product
  • is flexible for teachers of young children
  • respects the attention span and learning style of young children with autism
  • can inform, reassure, instruct, console, support, praise, and correct children with ASD and those who work on their behalf.
  • follows a child's lead by looking at and considering each of the details in a situation or skill, in an effort to capture and maintain a child's interest

 

An Example...

Time to Brush My Teeth
People brush their teeth to keep them clean. Brushing my teeth helps to make a beautiful smile. Brushing my teeth helps to keep them healthy and strong. It is a smart idea to brush my teeth. Keeping my teeth clean is an intelligent thing to do.
When do people brush their teeth?
Many people brush their teeth two times each day. Usually people brush their teeth in the morning. Usually people brush their teeth before bed. I will try to brush my teeth two times a day. This is very intelligent. Brushing teeth is a healthy thing to do.
How do children learn to brush their teeth?
Adults teach children to brush their teeth. I am learning to brush my teeth. I will use my toothbrush. I will also use toothpaste and water. These are the steps:

Step 1: Turn on the water.

Step 2: Put water on the toothbrush.

Step 3: Put a little toothpaste on the toothbrush.

Step 4: Brush teeth by moving the toothbrush up and down.

Step 5: Spit the toothpaste into the sink.

Step 6: Turn off the water.

I will try to follow these steps when I brush my teeth. Mom or Dad will help me practice these steps. I can learn how to brush my teeth.

 

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2005 Burkhart Center for Autism Education & Research