This was presented to the Brandeis Committee in Florida. We provided practical solutions to grandparents of children with autism.

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Grand-
parenting
Children
with Autism
A Practical Approach

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My girls…

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Leah

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Facts about Autism
•Autism now affects 1 in 88 children and 1 in 54 boys
•Difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication
and repetitive behaviors
•Causes: Genetic disposition is the loaded gun, environmental toxins is
the trigger
•Many have sensory processing issues (especially tactile, auditory,
vestibular (movement), proprioception (body in space)

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What is it like to have Autism

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Finding Balance (3 Components to
ALWAYS keep in mind)

Feel in Calming
Predictable
Control

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Designing
for the
Senses
Every child is different and their needs are not alike
We look at the sensory needs for the child and the goal for the room.
We then actually use the environment to promote the “just right”
arousal level.

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Bedroom
 Bedrooms can have dual purpose of play and for sleep.
You want to make it their little nest. Their own space!
 Predictable:
 Establish a bedtime routine
 Try to have as many items from home as possible (buy 2 of the same)
 Feel in control:
 Rules (clear expectations) with Visual cue such as clock at 7:00 you
can get up.
 Give choices ex: what book to read
 Calming:
 weighted blankets, massage, transition item, dim lighting,
Melatonin slow release

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Sensory Room

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Create a nook!!

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Nooks and more Nooks!

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Nooks!!

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Tee Pee

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Calming Lights and Sounds

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Weighted Blanket

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Body Pillows!!

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Stuffed, cushy toys!!

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Lava Lamps!!

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Rocking Chair - Motion

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Soothing colors and textures

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Soft

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Canopies and covers

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CALMING
Provide calming activities throughout the day
 Weighted items and Activities ex: bean bags,
snake
 Heavy ex: push and pull carts
 Resistive ex: spider clothespins, putty
 Repetitive ex: ABC, beading, stacking legos
 Centering ex: sit ups, crawl in tunnel, tent
 Pressure ex: massage, push joints

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PREDICTABLE
 Establish a routine (this might take some time)
 Try to maintain same routine as at home
 Use a visual schedule!!! This is a GREAT tool! Use it
actively!
 First do a trial run at your home without sleeping
over
 Make sure that the family has prepared them all
week for a visit with you
 Stay ORGANIZED! (Stick to the schedule)

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MAKE THEM FEEL IN CONTROL
 Help them feel in control by giving them
choices
 Not more than 2-3 choices at a time
 Use the FIRST and THEN card when needed

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Community
General Things to Keep in Mind when choosing activities outside
the home:
 Choose familiar places and activities (not time to try new things)
 Choose activities that are easy to terminate if need be ex: Don’t go on
boat ride if they can’t get off at ease
 Bring calming item or preferred item ex: ipad
 Most do not like the movies (dark, loud, too long)
 Avoid crowds and loud places like ball games. Consider using
earphones
 Bring items to facilitate communication
ex: First and Then

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Drawing from Memory

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Best Activities for Children with
Autism
 Keep in mind that they are children like everyone else!
 Organized activities work best ex: art group, special sports,
bowling, yoga
 Going to the park (instead of free play, do an obstacle course)
 Swings (some love it some hate it…ground them after
swinging)
 Find small group activities for Special Needs children in the
community

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Famous Faces of Autism

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Jenny Mcarthy’s son

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Actress Darryl Hannah

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Sylvester Stallone’s son

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Famous People with Autism
Satoshi Tajiri Inventor of Pokemon

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Famous People with Autism
Einstein

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Famous People with Autism
Vincent Van Gogh

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Famous People with Autism
Mozart

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Famous People with Autism
Emily Dickinson
Poet
 Emily Dickinson Poet

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Isaac Newton

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Famous People with Autism
Thomas Jefferson
 Emily Dickinson Poet

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Famous People with Autism

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Great Community Resources
www.umcard.org
www.asabroward.org
www.autismspeaks.org (Resource Guide)

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