For those who work with children on the autism spectrum:

I have a follow-up interview tomorrow for a school psychologist position during which I'm going to be observed interacting in a classroom with children who have autism. Basically, they want to see if I am comfortable getting in the classroom with the kids and how I try to interact with children who have very little interest in communicating or interacting with me.

I have had interactions with children on the spectrum as an evaluator. I usually try to interact with them by following their lead, finding out what's rewarding to them and using that as reinforcement, etc.

Any other advice or ideas about what you think they might be looking for? This is an ABA-focused program. Thanks!

Message edited 8/7/2006 9:23:28 PM.

Re: For those who work with children on the autism spectrum:

well do yo think they will be looking at how you interact in general?
or your ABA interactions with the child

Re: For those who work with children on the autism spectrum:

Re: For those who work with children on the autism spectrum:

well then i would be focusing on your specific interactions with the child and trying to bring out the child...

So if i were you i would look at the children...

see what the child likes doing..
go over and sit next to the child..

a child is usually playing with some sort of activity or toy...

i would watch for a few seconds then ty to engage with the toy/activity itself slowly....take a piece of the toy, manipulate it...
see what the child does...(ie grab it back, looks to see what you do with the activity). Hand whatever you took back to the child and see what the child does with it...and slowly work your way into the childs world and preferences, likes and dislikes...

Re: For those who work with children on the autism spectrum:

Message edited 8/7/2006 9:38:53 PM.

Re: For those who work with children on the autism spectrum:

a lot of autistic children although may not like interactions all that much...are in fact very sensory stim oriented. As you must know

i think once i thought the child was some what comfortable with you being there....i would start using sensory stim like activities that could increase your interactions with the child
ETA...of course all done in moderation...since overloading will cause the child to retreat

Message edited 8/7/2006 9:41:18 PM.

Re: For those who work with children on the autism spectrum:

Good idea, thanks. I have NO idea how long this "classroom visit" is going to last for.

Re: For those who work with children on the autism spectrum:

IMO that's a tough one. i don't work with autistic children but i actually have one of my own. in my experience these children are somewhat nervous with people they don't know around. i would suggest trying to peak their interest from afar and let them come to you. You might intimidate them by going to close. i don't know, i'm not an expert on it.

Re: For those who work with children on the autism spectrum:

All that Remember to always interact with them on their level...kneeling down and trying to establish some basic eye contact with them--sometimes people get overwhelmed in a new situation and forget basic things! ---Remember some basic praise and positive reinforcement...........good luck and dont let the whole ABA thing get the best of you.....you will do fine----but
If you need any ABA help, let me know!

Re: For those who work with children on the autism spectrum:

The one thing I can tell you from being in the field for well over a decade as well as having a sibling with Autism is that like us, no two individuals are the same.

Though we have specific criteria for diagnosis as you of course know, the main thing you should go in with is a blank slate. Remove all preconceived notions. What people call "stims" are not always.....we don't know unless tested shouldn't guess.

I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and a Special Educator. I've worked with individuals ranging from 13 months to 47 yrs of age. I have taught individuals with Autism and related disorders as well as consulted, lecture and train across the tri state area.

Use your eyes and your gut!
Observe and assess as quickly as possible and stay confident.

*Can you find out if the children have individualized motivational systems?Token Economy?
Will you be a ble to utilize such for motivation.......I can honestly tell you that out of hundreds of individuals that I have worked with that I can count on one hand those that had NO interest.
There is always something within the environment that you can utilize and if not tangible then you can if you are allowed to use possible stereotypy that they may be engaged in.
*Are the children Verbal (meaning vocal) or are they verbal using Sign or PECS?
*How old are the children?
*Do you know the range of (hate to say functioning b/c that is relative but) Fx.?

*Find out as much as you can prior to by asking certain questions.


What it all comes down to is this......

Interact with them like you would with any other child.

If you were dealing with a neurotypical child who appears really shy then you would not bumbrush them per se'...you would approach gingerly.

Good luck and have fun!!!!

E

Re: For those who work with children on the autism spectrum:

Thank you! These are all very important things to keep in mind. I was just saying to my husband earlier that every child is different, so although I can have some guidelines and thoughts in the back of my head, I will really be best off asking the teacher about the individual child. I have NO idea about the level of functioning right now, so I'm just trying to gather as many strategies as I can think of.

Re: For those who work with children on the autism spectrum:

I totally agree, and with those things in mind----wing it--don't script it-----U will be fine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: For those who work with children on the autism spectrum:

Posted by HannahsDaddy

The one thing I can tell you from being in the field for well over a decade as well as having a sibling with Autism is that like us, no two individuals are the same.

Though we have specific criteria for diagnosis as you of course know, the main thing you should go in with is a blank slate. Remove all preconceived notions. What people call "stims" are not always.....we don't know unless tested shouldn't guess.

I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and a Special Educator. I've worked with individuals ranging from 13 months to 47 yrs of age. I have taught individuals with Autism and related disorders as well as consulted, lecture and train across the tri state area.

Use your eyes and your gut!
Observe and assess as quickly as possible and stay confident.

*Can you find out if the children have individualized motivational systems?Token Economy?
Will you be a ble to utilize such for motivation.......I can honestly tell you that out of hundreds of individuals that I have worked with that I can count on one hand those that had NO interest.
There is always something within the environment that you can utilize and if not tangible then you can if you are allowed to use possible stereotypy that they may be engaged in.
*Are the children Verbal (meaning vocal) or are they verbal using Sign or PECS?
*How old are the children?
*Do you know the range of (hate to say functioning b/c that is relative but) Fx.?

*Find out as much as you can prior to by asking certain questions.


What it all comes down to is this......

Interact with them like you would with any other child.

If you were dealing with a neurotypical child who appears really shy then you would not bumbrush them per se'...you would approach gingerly.

Good luck and have fun!!!!

E

Re: For those who work with children on the autism spectrum:

Thank you so much to all of you...I feel pretty good about this!

Re: For those who work with children on the autism spectrum:

Re: For those who work with children on the autism spectrum:

Where are you interviewing?

Re: For those who work with children on the autism spectrum:

Re: For those who work with children on the autism spectrum:

I worked at BOCEs over the summer last year! Its a great program. Best of luck on your interview!