Autism Focused Intervention Resources & Modules (AFIRM): Supporting Individuals with Autism Through Uncertain Times
AFIRM
Please familiarize yourself with AFIRM, the leading online resource for evidence based practices for individuals with Autism. The link above provides useful information to support our population during the transition to distant learning. I highly recommend reading sections #4. Maintain Routines and #5. Build New Routines.
PBS: How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus
https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-coronavirus
Coronavirus: Why Do I Have to Stay Home?
A Social Narrative for Children
My Social Distancing Story
(Emphasis on Hand Washing)
Evidence Based Practice (EBP): Reinforcement
The process of establishing or strengthening the pattern of future behavior.
Using Reinforcement Effectively
Guidelines for increasing the effectiveness of positive reinforcement interventions include:
- Set an easily achieved initial goal for reinforcement
- Use high quality reinforcers of sufficient magnitude, especially for behaviors that require more effort of endurance
- Use a variety of reinforcers
- Reinforce each occurrence of the behavior initially
- Pair tangible reinforcement with praise and attention
- At first, reinforcement should immediately follow the desired behavior or response, then gradually delay
Reinforcement References
AFIRM Reinforcement (+): Parent Guide
https://afirm.fpg.unc.edu/sites/afirm.fpg.unc.edu/files/imce/resources/Parent%27s%20Guide%20to%20R.pdfAutism Spectrum Disorders Fact Sheet: Positive Reinforcement and Autism
https://autism-help.org/behavior-positive-reinforcement-autism.htmPositively Autism: Reducing Problem Behaviors
http://www.positivelyautism.com/aba/mod6F.html
2020 CV 19 Masks Gloves Social Story.pdfSocial Story: Masks & Gloves
A social story to help explain the increased use of facial masks and gloves. A fun activity recommendation provided at the end to help children realize that our family members are the same with and without the mask on.
Breath Like a Bear Video: Mindfulness breathing techniques with visual imagery.
Breathing Techniques and Resources for Parents
Belly Breathing: Diaphragmatic Breathing
Belly-breathing fills your lungs fully, slows your breathing rate, and helps you relax.
- Place one hand on your belly just below the ribs and the other hand on your chest. You can do this while standing, but it may be more comfortable while you are lying on the floor with your knees bent.
- Take a deep breath through your nose. As you inhale, let your belly push your hand out. Keep your chest still.
- As you exhale through pursed lips as though you were whistling, feel your hand go down. Use the hand on your belly to help you push all the air out. Take your time exhaling.
- Repeat these steps 3 to 10 times. Take your time with each breath.
Roll Breathing: Abdominal Breathing
The object of roll breathing is to develop full use of your lungs and get in touch with the rhythm of your breathing. It can be practiced in any position, but it is best to learn it lying on your back, with your knees bent.
- Place your left hand on your abdomen and your right hand on your chest. Notice how your hands move as you breathe in and out.
- Practice filling your lower lungs by breathing so that your left hand goes up when you inhale and your right hand remains still. Always inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Keep your shoulders relaxed, and don't shrug them.
- When you have filled and emptied your lower lungs 8 to 10 times, add the second step to your breathing: Inhale first into your lower lungs as before, and then continue inhaling into your upper chest. As you do so, your right hand will rise and your left hand will fall a little as your abdomen falls.
- As you exhale slowly through your mouth, make a quiet, whooshing sound as first your left hand and then your right hand falls. As you exhale, feel the tension leaving your body as you become more and more relaxed.
- Practice breathing in and out in this manner for 3 to 5 minutes. Notice that the movement of your abdomen and chest is like rolling waves rising and falling in a rhythmic motion.
Dr. Andrew Weil's 4-7-8 Breathing Exercise: Relaxing Breath
The 4-7-8 breathing exercise is utterly simple, takes almost no time, requires no equipment and can be done anywhere. Although you can do the exercise in any position, sit with your back straight while learning the exercise. Place the tip of your tongue against the ridge of tissue just behind your upper front teeth, and keep it there through the entire exercise. You will be exhaling through your mouth around your tongue; try pursing your lips slightly if this seems awkward.
- Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound.
- Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four.
- Hold your breath for a count of seven.
- Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound to a count of eight.
- This is one breath. Now inhale again and repeat the cycle three more times for a total of four breaths.