Inclusion of Children with Special Needs

Presented forProfessor Christine Cadieux

Presented by Nazma KhanamStudent Id-300660423

ECEP-233March 2013

Meeting the needs with an autistic child Simon & his family

Introduction to the Child and Family

Simon, a three-year old child, lives with autism. His father is a single dad taking care of two other teenage children and a new resident

Simon communicates but does with a stereotypical speech dysfunction

This dysfunction is called Echolalia or repetitive speech. He immediately and involuntarily repeats words/phrases just spoken by others.

He lives in his own mental world

Introduction to the Individual Special Need

1. Echolalic communication can be effective with short phrases used in the appropriate contexts.2. Exact intonation of the original source can be used. But long scripts can be used from favourite Cartoons, TV shows and Movies. 3. This may be a temptation to make Simon stop repeating things, because it may panic him. Echolalia seems strange, but it is better to realize the purposes that echolalia can serve for Simon and work with that.4. Scripts or routine repetition of phrases may be comforting to Simon, because he can find the unstructured world threatening.

Echolalic autism is known as a complex developmental disability. Experts believe that Autism presents itself during the first three years of a person's life. The condition is the result of a neurological disorder that has an effect on normal brain function, affecting development of the person's communication and social interaction skills. People with autism have issues with non-verbal communication, a wide range of social interactions, and activities that include an element of play and/or banter (http://video.answers.com/what-autism-is-234122355). The presence of echolalia has actually been identified as a positive sign in persons with autism. Lovaas (1977) found that the presence of echolalia is an important prognostic indicator for future language growth. It appears that echolalia provides the "raw material" for further language growth. Howlin (1981), in fact, discovered that children with autism who were echolalic developed good phrase speech later in life whether or not they received intensive language training ( http://www.autismcentral.ca/research/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=53).

Introduction to the Individual Special Need

1. Echolalic communication can be effective with short phrases used in the appropriate contexts.2. Exact intonation of the original source can be used. But long scripts can be used from favourite Cartoons, TV shows and Movies. 3. This may be a temptation to make Simon stop repeating things, because it may panic him. Echolalia seems strange, but it is better to realize the purposes that echolalia can serve for Simon and work with that.4. Scripts or routine repetition of phrases may be comforting to Simon, because he can find the unstructured world threatening.

Echolalic autism is known as a complex developmental disability. Experts believe that Autism presents itself during the first three years of a person's life. The condition is the result of a neurological disorder that has an effect on normal brain function, affecting development of the person's communication and social interaction skills. People with autism have issues with non-verbal communication, a wide range of social interactions, and activities that include an element of play and/or banter (http://video.answers.com/what-autism-is-234122355). The presence of echolalia has actually been identified as a positive sign in persons with autism. Lovaas (1977) found that the presence of echolalia is an important prognostic indicator for future language growth. It appears that echolalia provides the "raw material" for further language growth. Howlin (1981), in fact, discovered that children with autism who were echolalic developed good phrase speech later in life whether or not they received intensive language training ( http://www.autismcentral.ca/research/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=53).

Needs of Simon and his family

Childcare centre with autism facilities

Information about Agencies working for artistic children

Providing training to family members regarding building up awareness.

Information regarding financial support they can get.

Empathy - Understanding and being aware of the feelings of others

Introduction to the Individual Special Need

1. Encouraging Simon to learn more expressive forms of communication. parents may consider following suggestions. As all kids learn at their own pace and react in their own ways, so parents or teachers need to be patient and persistent. There is no quick fix. 2. Building a language bridge. Language is Simon`s bridge to the world. Explain the unspoken language of sighted people. Describe the nonverbal language of others. Give details about the smiles, nods, and gestures that complement other people's speech.3. Modeling the correct response to a question or situation. 4. Simplifying your speech. 5. Asking no unnecessary questions. 6. Playing up your child's strengths. 7. Not being tempted to or ignoring Simon's echolalic speech. Any speech is an attempt to communicate and deserves a response from you. Whatever the quality of the content, your child needs to know that his efforts are valued.

Learn about autism: The more you know about autism spectrum disorders, the better equipped you will be to make informed decisions for your child. Educate yourself about the treatment options, ask questions, and participate in all treatment decisions. Become an expert on your child. Figure out what triggers your kids bad or disruptive behaviors and what elicits a positive response. What does your autistic child find stressful? Calming? Uncomfortable? Enjoyable? If you understand what affects your child, you will be better at troubleshooting problems and preventing situations that cause difficulties.

Accept your child, quirks and all: Rather than focusing on how your autistic child is different from other children and what he or she is missing, practice acceptance. Enjoy your kids special quirks, celebrate small successes, and stop comparing your child to others. Feeling unconditionally loved and accepted will help your child more than anything else. Dont give up. Its impossible to predict the course of an autism spectrum disorder. Dont jump to conclusions about what life is going to be like for your child. Like everyone else, people with autism have an entire lifetime to grow and develop their abilities. http://www.helpguide.org/mental/autism_help.htm

Simons Special Needs

Language development

Increase impulse control development

Special attention

Materials availability (Specially favourite toy)

We can suggest words that Simon can use to say how he feels. If he gets mad while playing a game, encourage him to use words to show his anger, such as "That really makes me mad!" or "I don't like it when you play the game that way!" We can make it clear that hurting others is not allowed. When Simon gets mad playing a game and pushes or hits another child, we can take him aside and remind him that hurting others is not allowed. Help your child think of new ways to solve problems. Model self-control when dealing with stress or frustration. Your child learns any behaviors from observing you. When you model self-discipline and self-control in difficult situations, your child will learn to follow your example.http://illinoisearlylearning.org/tipsheets/impulsecontrol.htm

Simon`s Needs within my childcare setting

Ensuring a safety environment for Simon, so he can use all areas securely and properly.

Making sure that all materials and equipments are in good condition and arranged in such a way that he can easily reach them.

Setting up the wheels and cars to the level of Simon, so that he can comfortably use his favourite toys and games. In the reading area, I put eye-catching pictures and colourful books. In addition, I will put different types of matching puzzles, namely, Alphabets, animal, fruits and vegetable.

Putting songs and stories in the audio cassette and headphones so he can listen to them.

Putting visual and colourful handwash on top of sink in washroom.

The needs within my childcare setting

Changes in teaching strategy

1. Helping Simon to develop language skills. It includes using short sentences, being a listener to him. Planning activitities which includes the effective strategies for learning language and social communication.

2. Removing floor toys because these might be dangerous for Simon.

3. Sitting beside him to teach him difference between feeling and behaviour. Arranging puppet show for Simon. When he touches the puppet, then I say gentle touch.

Overview of referred agency

Geneva Centre for AutismServices: A multi-disciplinary team provide services there which include psychological therapy, speech language pathology, occupational and behavioral therapy etc.

Population they serve: the Center presently provide services to at least 150 families in the surrounding neighbourhoods.

Cost: The cost depends. Social skills groups cost $600 per semester. The Social Skills summer camp costs $600.00 for one-week session and $1000.00 for two-week session.

Referral Process: Direct access to the services of the Geneva Center can be made by calling the Centre at 416 322 7877. All calls will be duly directed to the appropriate department. First interview with parents involves no cost .

Availability: The services are open to all.

http://www.autism.net/http://www.autism.net/services/services-for-children.htmlhttp://www.autism.net/services/services-for-children/skill-building-groups/96-social-skills-groups-for-children-and-youth.html

Agency information for Autism

1. Geneva Centre for Autism
112 Merton Street, Toronto, ON M4S 2Z8
Tel: (416) 322-7877 or Toll Free: 1-866-Geneva-9
http://www.autism.net/

2. Offering clinical services to children and adults with ASD in the greater Toronto area.

3. Providing information, training and conferences.

4. Providing information of workshops and certificate courses focusing on Echolalia.

Self Evaluation

Strengths of the assignment

In this backdrop, I can understand do's and dons about Simon and his family. As an ECE, I have roles and responsibilities to serve his family so they can access information to overcome the stress and anxiety. I want to interact with the children and share my information with Simon's family. From this assignment, I got clues how to adapt Centre and its areas suitable for Simon, and I got ideas about the special needs both for Simon and his family. Now I know how I can meet some of the needs in our existing childcare setting.

Self Evaluation

Weaknesses/ Challenges

It has been difficult for me to resolve matters with agency. They do not provide any information. All I got is for their printed handouts and brochures and materials.

I did not have practical experience in dealing with the children like Simon. But as I was progressing through my assignment, I was gradually drawn to the special needs and knowledge that, as an ECE, I should urgently address to.

Self-evaluation

Learning: I learned a lot from the course and this assignment. Learning about autism and its various behavioural moods is a gift for me. I have learned that autistism have different forms and degrees in terms of development delay. Commutation, social interaction, behaviour repetition, etc are the common phenomena with the children with autism. In addition, I know how I can modify my childcare environment. Now I know what agencies work with a special needs for the children like Simon. I found some agencies that provide the training to the ECEs in this regard. In future, I want to work with the children with challenging behaviours and special needs. From the course and its assignments, I found myself interested to work and know more about autistic children. I want to explore and increase my theoretical experience and practical skill regarding autism in future career.

Bibliography

The Inclusion environment (Chris's class handouts, week- 4)

ECEP-233 inclusion of children with special need in Chris class reading package parts 1,2 and also week-4 hand out.

http://www.autism-help.org/communication-echolalia-autism.htm

http://sites.google.com/site/autismhome/Home/special-situations/echolalia

https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/fr/fr30/1/fr300104.htm

Total = /20