Children diagnosed with Autism and a Physical Disability

Does your child have Autism Spectrum Disorder, ASD, and a physical disability?  If the answer to this question is “yes”, then this blog is for you!

You may be asking yourself…how do I teach her to play, get dressed, bathe, etc. and how can I make sure her school is on board with these goals?  

Step 1:  Identify the programs you want to teach

You will want to think about the most age-appropriate, functional skills to teach your child.  It will be important for you to consult with a Behavioral Consultant if you have one regarding these goals.  Also, consider the physical disability (as you naturally would) and develop your plan around that.  For example, if you want to teach functional independent skills and your child uses a wheelchair as a form of mobility, then you may want to teach skills like learning how to manipulate the controls, turning the wheels (if applicable), lifting her feet up to place them on the foot pads, etc. Or, maybe your daughter has a hearing impairment.  The most important skill you will want her to learn will be how to communicate effectively with others…maybe through the use of sign language or some other form of communication system, like PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System).

Step 2:  Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills-Revised (ABLLS™-R Protocol)

Assessing your child’s skills will be your next step.  The Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills-Revised (ABLLS™-R Protocol) is an assessment tool that focuses on basic learner skills, academic skills, self-help skills as well as motor skills.  It is an assessment, curriculum guide, and skills tracking system for children with language delays.

You can visit www.behavioranalysis.com or call (925)-210-9378 for more information.

The ABLLS™- R will provide you, the parent, an extensive list of skills your child already has within her repertoire as well as information to help you develop an effective Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

Step 3: Develop an effective Individualized Education Plan (IEP)

Finally, you will want to take the above-mentioned assessment results as well as the list of programs that you want to see your child learn and present them to your IEP team.  Your IEP team should consist of the Special Education Coordinator for your district, School Psychologist, Occupational Therapist (OT), Physical Therapist (PT), Speech Pathologist (SPL), the Teacher/Intervention Specialist as well as yourself and your Behavioral Consultant (if you have one).  The IEP is written for 1 year and it can be rewritten at any time…you just have to call the meeting.  Also, it is ok to sign it saying that you were present but, wait until the document is complete before you sign the last page giving your approval.

Read the next blog for the process!

References:
The Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills
ABLLS™-R Protocol
James W. Partington, Ph. D., BCBA
May, 2006