College Admissions Testing and Autism

This contribution is from Parent Advocate/Trainer Nancy Popkin.

Back when my son was diagnosed with autism, I couldn’t imagine him going to college, let alone surviving his school years. But here we are, sixteen years post diagnosis, with a high school graduate who is now a college freshman. If college is in your child’s future, now is a good time to start planning. There are so many steps along the road to college for anyone and the path is more circuitous for someone with an autism spectrum disorder, but here I want to address one step along the way, college admissions testing.

Possible Standardized Tests
Most colleges today require students to submit scores for the SAT or ACT as part of the application process. These tests are administered by the College Board and the ACT (formerly American College Testing Program), respectively. In addition, some students with autism diagnoses may be taking AP (Advanced Placement) Exams, also administered by the College Board. But even before your child takes his/her first SAT or ACT, there is the PSAT/NMSQT. If your child is following the standard course of study and working toward a Future-Ready Core Diploma Track, they will most likely have their first exposure to college testing with the PSAT in October of the tenth grade year.

Accommodations
The test will be administered by your child’s high school, but here’s the catch: your child’s testing accommodations, as outlined by the IEP, do not automatically apply to the PSAT or subsequent standardized tests. There are steps you must take, beyond the IEP to assure that your child has testing accommodations for the PSAT and any other College Board tests that will follow. The same is true for the ACT. To learn more about the testing accommodation process, what documentation is required, and the timing for applying, check here for the PSAT, SAT, and AP exams,  and here for the ACT.

For the most part, there is someone, either a school counselor or testing coordinator, who applies for the testing accommodations for your child. Your child’s EC teacher should be able to tell you who this is at your school. I would encourage parents to be proactive and contact this person in 9th grade to get this process started rather than waiting for them to contact you. The accommodation application needs to be submitted seven weeks or more before the test your child will take. So if you are planning for the PSAT administration in tenth grade, the end of August is the latest you should be filing for testing accommodations. Even earlier is better as sometimes the College Board will request more documentation before granting some of the accommodations, so time for this further submission should be provided.

Some more unusual accommodations may not be approved. One accommodation my son had on his IEP was to take all tests in pencil (some of his teachers required essays in pen). We applied for this accommodation well in advance of the AP US History exam (also administered by College Board) but it was denied. This gave us time to demo tons of different types of pens and have him practice writing with the best one so he could pull off the essay (he did great).

Once the accommodations are set, you will not need to reapply for each test. You will just need to bring the accommodations confirmation letter your son/daughter receives to each test he/she takes.

Preparing for Test Day
With the exception of the PSAT, you will need to register for testing days on your own if your son/daughter is taking the SAT or ACT. Go to the respective links provided earlier to find out possible test dates for the respective tests. To determine which tests you need to take, you will need to begin a college search and find out which tests are required by the colleges to which your son or daughter is hoping to apply. Don’t leave testing to the last minute in case a retest is desired to get a better score. For some students taking the test twice is a good idea. The first time is for getting used to taking the test as there will be some new experiences when taking the test. The second time things will be more familiar.

Once you have registered for the test, put it on a calendar and come up with a plan for preparing. There are tons of study guides out there. College Board will email a single practice question every day if you want. We actually did not have our son do too much preparing for the PSAT or SAT. We didn’t want him to get anxious about it and we weren’t sure if he would generalize the practice to the actual test. For other students, it may be appropriate to review the different sorts of math problems and verbal reasoning questions to expect, as well as the expectations for the writing section.

Closer to test day, make a schedule for your son or daughter to know how the day will proceed. The College Board tells you exactly what you are allowed to bring into the testing location. They are very strict about this, so discuss this in advance as well. Get these things ready the night before the test. There is lots of good information about what to expect on the College Board website.

On Test Day
On test day, you will not be allowed to escort your son or daughter to the proper room or talk to the proctor, so make sure they know how to self-advocate if they need to. This is especially important if they are taking the test in a school other than their own high school, where things are familiar.

My son took the SAT at an unfamiliar high school, so I went ahead and prepared a page for him to give to the proctor in his testing room. He and I discussed this in advance and he helped me write the page. We provided his name and contact information and my contact information at the top. If you choose to do this, keep it brief and simple. We also provided the following information on this page:

Gray has a diagnosis of autism. Things he might do that are due to his autism:

Make audible silly sounds.
Pop out of his seat and flap his arms or hands.
Sit on his knees and hang his head below the seat of the chair.
Make grunting sounds if he is frustrated.
When frustrated or scolded, he may hit his head with his fists.

Please redirect Gray by telling him what he should be doing instead.

Gray may need help when using a telephone, finding a restroom, or knowing when he can have a break.

On test day, I did take my son into the testing location front door and immediately found an adult to help him figure out where he was to go. I had my phone on and hung out at a coffee shop near by. If your child has extended time, the testing session will last 50% longer than other students. So expect to pick up your child five and a half hours later.

When Gray came out of the testing center, he was accompanied by someone who clearly was making sure he got out of the building safely. She even reported that he did great! He looked at me and said, “You owe me!” I do find it so ironic that the kids who need to get up and move around the most, have to stay the longest to take these tests, so I agreed with him. I did owe him and told him how proud I was that he handled the stress of the test and a strange location so well! I offered to do whatever he wanted for the rest of the day! But all he wanted was a Hershey Bar! Wish granted.

These standardized tests are just one step of many in preparing for a college experience. With careful planning, our kids can have a positive testing experience and do their best. Then it is on to the application, college visits, deciding where to go and moving on!!

A great resource is the book, Realizing the College Dream with Autism and Asperger Syndrome by Ann Palmer, available at the Autism Society of North Carolina Bookstore.

Written by Nancy Popkin, Parent Advocate/Trainer. To contact Nancy, please send an email to: npopkin@autismsociety-nc.org.

 

Seeing is Believing

Editor’s Note – The following article was written by Amy F. Hobbs, Training Coordinator with the Autism Society of North Carolina.

Research shows that video modeling is an effective strategy to use with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder to improve social and communication skills. As a trainer, I frequently emphasize the importance of showing children with autism what you want them to do as opposed to just telling them. Verbal directions are typically difficult for individuals with autism to process as their visual processing skills are more advanced than their auditory processing skills. Video modeling or the process of instructing through watching a model therefore provides an excellent opportunity for students to actually see the behavior or the skill that is requested and therefore better understand it.

Not only is video modeling time and cost effective, but it can be rehearsed and rerecorded until the exact skill or behavior desired is captured. This is a much cleaner method than live modeling and can be watched repeatedly until the skill is learned as well as used as a tool for maintaining the skill. In fact, video modeling is a practical method of instruction for teachers that can be used with multiple individuals needing practice on the same skill.

As with computer screens, video modeling takes away the interpersonal component present in 1:1 teaching that makes learning more challenging for individuals with autism. It offers instead a mode of instruction that is highly motivating and fosters independence.

Video modeling has been used to teach many different social, academic, behavioral or functional skills from iPod use to how to give a compliment. Many studies show the success of video modeling in teaching challenging social skills such as recognition of emotions, perspective taking, social initiations, eye contact, social greeting, sharing and engagement in social conversation. My goal here is to demonstrate the simplicity of the video modeling process by giving some basic steps to follow.

1. Determine if the child has the perquisite skills needed to ensure success. These include basic imitation skills, normal visual and hearing acuity, and the ability to attend to a video for at least one minute.
2. Teach a skill that can be easily modeled and observed. An ideal target skill is one that the child is able to do with prompting.
3. Decide who to use as models in the video. Peers, siblings or other children of a similar age are good choices. Once the skill or behavior is learned, videotape the child with autism displaying the target skill or behavior (video self-modeling). This can be a powerful tool for increasing the child’s self-efficacy (Bray & Kehle, 1996) as well as reinforcing the maintenance of the skill.
4. Write the script for the models and keep it short. Three to five minutes is recommended, but it can be shorter.
5. Video the models making sure that the important actions are clearly visible and that the audio is clear and free of distracting sounds. Keep it simple.
6. Intervention includes:
   a. Showing the video model to the child with autism several times and then
   b. Providing a time and place to practice the skill.
   c. Monitoring and keeping data on the child’s progress.
   d. Testing to see if skills generalize to other settings and people.

Often video modeling instruction is paired with another method of teaching such as peer mentoring, social skills groups, self-management, reinforcement, role modeling and other applied behavior analysis techniques to ensure success. Below is a list of research articles that demonstrate success using video modeling.

References:

• Bray, M., & Kehle, T. (1996). Self-modeling as an intervention for stuttering. School Psychology Review, 25, 358-369.
• Other research:
• Bellini, S., Akullian, J., & Hopf, A. (2007). Increasing Social Engagement in Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders Using Video Self-Modeling. School Psychology Review: Volume 36, Issue No. 1.
• Charlop-Christy, M.H., & Daneshvar, S. (2003). Using Video Modeling to Teach Perspective Taking to Children with Autism. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions: Volume 5, Issue No. 1, pp. 12-21.
• Charlop-Christy, M.H., Le, L., & Freeman, K.A. (2000). A Comparison of Video Modeling with In Vivo Modeling for Teaching Children with Autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders: Volume 30, Issue No. 6, pp. 537-552.
• Corbett, B.A. (2003). Video Modeling: A Window into the World of Autism. The Behavior Analyst Today: Volume 4, Issue No. 3.
• Corbett, B.A. & Abdullah, M. (2005) Video Modeling: Why Does It Work for Children with Autism? Journal of Early and Intensive Behavior Intervention: Volume 2, Issue No. 1, pp. 2-8.
• D’Ateno, P., Mangiapanello, K., & Taylor, B. A. (2003). Using Video Modeling to Teach Complex Play Sequences to a Preschooler with Autism. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions: Volume 5, Issue No. 1, pp. 5-11.
• Goldsmith, T.R. & LeBlanc, L.A. (2004) Use of Technology in Interventions for Children with Autism. Journal of Early and Intensive Behavioral Intervention:Volume 1, Issue No. 2, pp. 166-178.
• Hine, J.F. & Wolery, M. (2006). Using Point-of-View Video Modeling to Teach Play to Preschoolers with Autism. Topics in Early Childhood Special Education: Volume 26, Issue No. 2, pp. 83–93.
• Hine, J.F. & Wolery, M. (2006). Using Point-of-View Video Modeling to Teach Play to Preschoolers with Autism. Topics in Early Childhood Special Education: Volume 26, Issue No. 2, pp. 83–93.
• Smith, C., Williamson, R. & Siegel-Robertson, J. (2005). Implementing Technology to Teach Social Skills to Students with Multiple High-Incidence Disabilities. Unpublished University of Memphis research study, 11 pp.
• Wert, B. Y., & Neisworth, J. T. (2003). Effects of Video Self-Modeling on Spontaneous Requesting in Children with Autism. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions: Volume 5, Issue No. 1, pp. 30-34.
• Williams, C., Wright, B., Callaghan, G., & Coughlan, B. (2002). Do Children with Autism Learn to Read More Readily by Computer Assisted Instruction or Traditional Book Methods? Journal of Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Volume 6, pp. 71-91

Amy can be reached via email at ahobbs@autismsociety-nc.org or by phone at 828-236-1547.

A New Year, A New Approach to Challenging Behaviors

Editor’s Note – The following post was written by Louise Buchholz Southern, M.Ed., BCBA, Training Specialist for the Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC).

As professionals working in the field of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) intervention and as parents of individuals with ASD, it’s likely that we have all experienced challenging and persistent behaviors. These behaviors come in many forms including aggression, property destruction, non-compliance, and self-injurious behavior, to name a few. When we experience these behaviors in an individual with ASD, one of the first questions we should ask ourselves is, “What is the individual trying to communicate with this behavior?” What want, need, confusion, or fear is the individual trying to express? As one individual with ASD stated, “You can’t not communicate. Everything you say and do or don’t say and don’t do sends a message to others.”

Some behaviors take us by surprise, and seem to appear without any cause. However, if we operate under the assumption that there is always a reason for the behavior, we are more likely to take the action necessary to change behavior. Changing someone else’s behavior always requires a change in our own behavior first. So as the New Year begins and as we continue to face challenging behaviors, let’s assume that behavior is always meaningful and let’s ask ourselves these questions:

• Does the individual have a way to communicate his/her wants, needs, and choices all of the time and across contexts? In order to teach an individual the power of communication, we cannot compartmentalize their communication to certain parts of the day or to certain locations (e.g. only when the instructor directs the individual to a choice board that is affixed to the wall).
• Even if the individual is “verbal,” does s/he functionally communicate? For example, some individuals script from TV shows, or they repeat back what they hear rather than responding. Some individuals are nonresponsive to anyone other than people with whom they are very familiar. Some individuals use language that does not seem to make sense given the context. Some individuals label everything, but don’t use language to express wants or needs, or to respond to questions and statements. In all of these examples, while the individual is “verbal,” we need to explicitly teach and reinforce functional communication.
• Note: ASNC’s Training Department is preparing to launch a functional communication training workshop this spring. In addition, the Autism Internet Modules website http://www.autisminternetmodules.org offers a range of free trainings on evidence-based practices such as functional communication training and the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS).
• Have we identified a behavior that we can teach and reinforce to replace the behavior that we don’t want to see?
• Are we effectively reinforcing those behaviors that we want to see? Are we applying consequences that are actually reinforcing /motivating to the individual? Are we reinforcing the appropriate behavior consistently, and are we making sure that the individual understands the connection between behavior and consequence (reinforcer)? Are we attending to (and reinforcing) those behaviors that we want to increase significantly MORE than we are attending to those behaviors that we want to reduce? Are we missing opportunities to reinforce the individual when s/he is doing what is expected?
• Are we delivering instructions/information in a way that the individual with ASD can understand?
• Are we visually structuring academic, leisure, and work activities so that the individual understands what to do, how much to do, when finished, and what next? Many individuals with ASD experience significant anxiety and frustration when they don’t understand the expectations, the “rules” of the game, or when the activity will be finished.
• Has there been a change to the routine or has something unexpected occurred? How can we better prepare the individual for these inevitable events?
• Does the individual have a strategy in place to regulate his/ her sensory needs? What self-calming activities do we need to explicitly teach? How does the individual indicate that he needs a break?

For more information about support services available to individuals, families and professionals through the ASNC Training Department contact Louise via email at lsouthern@autismsociety-nc.org.

For titles related to challenging behavior please visit the Autism Society of North Carolina Bookstore located at www.autismbookstore.com.

Corporal Punishment in NC Schools – Progress Report

The following article was written by Linda Griffin, Parent Advocate Director for the Autism Society of North Carolina.

In July 2011 we posted a blog article about the shocking use of corporal punishment in NC public schools. At that time we reported that 38 NC school districts allowed corporal punishment and 16 of those schools had actually used corporal punishment during the 2009-10 school year. This October 2012 update brings good news.

In the 2011-2012 school year, out of North Carolina’s 115 school districts only 17 continue to allow the use of corporal punishment as a form of discipline. Although we are still not completely out of the Dark Ages, we have made enormous progress – especially when you stop to consider that a mere four years ago, about 70 NC school districts used corporal punishment annually! This move into the light is the result of a long-term team effort. Furthermore, 8 of the 17 districts did not use corporal punishment nor have they used it in recent years. The 8 districts that allow but have not used corporal punishment in recent years are:

• Alleghany
• Alexander
• Ashe
• Northampton
• Person
• Randolph
• Stanly
• Thomasville

Unfortunately, 9 of the 17 districts used corporal punishment a total of 366 times! Those districts are listed below along with the number of occurrences:

• Bladen (1)
• Caswell (1)
• Graham (43)
• Macon (5)
• Madison (2)
• McDowell (29)
• Onslow (4)
• Robeson (267)
• Swain (14)

We are grateful for the data which was compiled through an Action for Children North Carolina survey and through the NC Department of Public Instruction. Currently, all we have is the total occurrences figure. Data by race, age, gender and disability status will not be available until DPI releases that information in February 2013.

If you have questions or concerns about school issues, contact the Autism Society of North Carolina Parent Advocate in your area.

I should remind families that NC has a law regarding corporal punishment that requires the involvement of a parent or guardian before school officials may administer corporal punishment on a student. Here’s what the law says:

“Corporal punishment shall not be administered on a student whose parent or guardian has stated in writing that corporal punishment shall not be administered to that student. Parents and guardians shall be given a form to make such an election at the beginning of the school year or when the student first enters the school during the year. The form shall advise the parent or guardian that the student may be subject to suspension, among other possible punishments for offenses that would otherwise not require suspension if corporal punishment were available. If the parent or guardian does not return the form, corporal punishment may be administered on the student. This act is effective when it becomes law and applies beginning with the 2011-2012 school year.”

This means that schools are required to give parents the option to opt-out of corporal punishment. Schools should have sent a letter and a form at the beginning of the school year to parents in the 17 counties where they still allow its use. Parents need to fill out and return the form to the school in order to opt-out of corporal punishment.

It is important to remember:

• Schools need to have current addresses for parents – if they have moved, the parents need to make sure the school has their new mailing address.
• If parents do not receive a form, they should request one from the school as soon as school starts.
• The forms are not standardized. It may contain language to this effect: “If corporal punishment is not used, the child may be subject to other punishment including suspension.” Be aware and request information about what violations are punishable by suspension and of the child’s rights if suspended.
• For children who have an Individualized Education Program, or IEP,  in place, if consequences for violations are spelled out in the plan, the school should be following the plan regardless of what is stated in the opt-out form about suspensions.
• Parents should keep a copy of all information, including the opt-out form.

Although 366 corporal punishment occurrences are horrendous, it is the lowest number ever recorded in NC. Furthermore, it is one of the lowest totals among the 19 states that still use corporal punishment. Parents who feel strongly about this issue should address their concerns with their local school board. Statewide data from the 2010-2011 school year indicate that students with disabilities receive corporal punishment disproportionately.

Linda Griffin can be reached via email at lgriffin@autismsociety-nc.org.

Staying 2 Steps Ahead: Safety in the Community and at Home

This week’s Blog post comes from Autism Society of North Carolina Parent Advocate/Trainer Judy Clute.

Parents worry about their children’s health, happiness, and well-being, but parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) must look at their environment closely and take great care to ensure that their kids are safe both inside and outside the home. Why is safety for the person with ASD different from any other safety measures you would put in place for any child? Here are some things to consider:

• Communication – Whether there is a lack of language or whether language is limited, this is the top reason we need to think ahead for our family members with ASD. Can they communicate to someone if they are lost or hurt? Will they be able to ask for help? Even if they are verbal, will they be able to communicate appropriately and effectively?
• Judgment – Consider that sometimes people with ASD have poor judgment. They may not recognize who is safe to go to for help. Do they know where to seek out help? Do they know who in the community is safe to go to?
• Sensory issues – People with ASD may run toward something of interest (ie: a train, a sign, music, water) or run away from something that is overwhelming (i.e. : music, loud sounds, too much commotion, lights). Needless to say, this can be a safety issue.
• Problem solving skills – Such skills may be impaired by rigid thinking, lack of perspective and/or anxiety. If your child were lost or hurt, would they know what to do next?
• Different learning styles - How can you teach your child about safety issues? Because of poor communication skills, many individuals with autism cannot share information verbally, some use visual cues, some use technology. How can they use these things in case of an emergency?

Children with ASD can be much more impulsive than neurotypical children. They may run away or wander off more than their typically developing peers. This can put them in greater danger of becoming lost, getting hurt, and becoming vulnerable to strangers. So what can we do?

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” but for parents of a child with ASD, it may feel more like a pound of prevention is needed. But the saying holds true, it’s better to prevent a problem than trying to fix it afterwards. Here are some tips for caregivers to consider:

1. Do not isolate yourself – Inform you neighbors about your child or family member with ASD. Educating your neighbors about your child and their challenges can help if he/she ever wanders out of your home or yard. Give them your contact information and let them know what your child likes and dislikes.
2. Contact first responders – Go to your local police station, fire station, and EMS. Take a current photo of your child along with a personal information handout (available in the ASNC Safe in the Community Kit). Include as much detail as possible about your child.
3. Plan and rehearse – Does your loved one with ASD know what to do in case of a home fire? Are you prepared? The National Fire Protection Association has a great website that can help you and your family member with ASD be prepared. Their website has activities for children and a social story that can be individualized for your child. Another important skill to know involves teaching your child when and how to call 911.
4. Securing your home – Consider putting safety items in place such as a home security alarm system, window locks and/or alarms on windows and doors to alert you if someone is trying to open them. Sometimes putting a “stop” sign on doors and windows can prevent a person with ASD from going any farther. If your child runs or wanders, consider putting a fence around your home with locked gates. If you have a pool, make sure the pool is not accessible without supervision. Teaching you’re child to swim is important, but it isn’t a guarantee that it will save someone from drowning.
5. Communicate with your school – Discuss with your child’s teacher your concerns about your child’s safety. You may want to suggest that they offer a “Safety in the Community” workshop or other such training. Make safety part of his or her IEP goals. Work on how to safely cross the street, learn to recognize street signs (like “STOP”), and discuss who is a safe person and who is a stranger.

The Autism Society of North Carolina’s “Safe in the Community Kit”

The Autism Society of North Carolina can provide you (free of charge) “Safe in the Community” kits that contain some simple stickers to put in your windows to let first responders know if there is someone in the home with ASD. This simple sticker can make a huge difference in case of emergency. The kits include personal information sheets that can be shared with caregivers, first responder agencies, and others as well as ID cards that you can teach your child to carry with him or her at all times.

Kit Contents

Here are some great websites for resources to help you keep your ASD family members safe.

• www.AutismSociety-NC.org — We can help with education, resources and provide “Safety in the Community” kits
• www.mypreciouskid.com – has safety items for home and community (i.e. Signs, ID bracelets, home safety items)
• www.AWAARE.org – has several caregiver resources and tips

Adult Issues
What about adults with ASD or those with High Functioning Autism or Aspergers? These people may have wonderful spoken language but may not respond appropriately to a first responder or neighbors. They may be anxious or afraid. It is important to teach these individuals what to say in the event they are lost or hurt. They should be taught who they can trust – like a police officer, a fireman, a teacher. Introduce them to neighbors and family members that you trust. Help these individuals learn to self-advocate.

Another thing to consider is bathroom etiquette. You may wonder what this has to do with safety? Well, does your child go to the bathroom in restaurants or public parks by themselves? Most women do not realize that there is different bathroom etiquette for men than for women. Women frequently make conversation with others they may not know in a public restroom. This is not true for men. Children, especially boys, need to know not to talk to strangers in public restrooms and what to do if a stranger approaches them. Again, do they know who a stranger is? If not, teach them. They need to know how to address or respond to a policeman? They may be in a situation where it would be important to disclose that they have autism and need help. Teaching self-advocacy skills is extremely important.

Another consideration is internet safety. Many individuals have poor social skills and social judgment. For these individuals safety measures should be put in place to manage internet access – whether at home, school, or in the work place. If you have a child/young adult who is visual, place instructional picture cards directly on the computer. If they can read and understand written language, keep those rules right next to the computer and negotiate an internet use contract. Check with your ISP on safeguards. The NC Department of Justice has a website that contains several safe guards for internet safety: http://www.ncdoj.gov

Be proactive! Contact the Autism Society of North Carolina and let’s work together to keep our children and loved ones with ASD safe and sound.

Judy Clute is a Parent Advocate/Trainer in the ASNC Raleigh office. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact her by email at jclute@autismsociety-nc.org or call 919-865-5091.