Developing Motor and Social Skills: Activities for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

This book focuses on motor and social skills development for young children with autism spectrum disorder and is geared toward special education teachers, general education teachers, and related personnel. This book will outline what we now know about how physical activity impacts children with Autism and how classroom teachers can use physical activity programs in their classrooms.

Table of Contents:
Dedication Table of Figures Table of Tables Preface Acknowledgements Introduction Chapter 1 Key questions What do children with ASD need to succeed in school? Evidence-based strategies and supports Universal design for learning Visual supports Routines and procedures Priming Choice Takeaways References Chapter 2 Key questions Importance of motor development and physical activity Challenge for children with ASD Benefits of increased motor development and physical activity Optimizing the effects of physical activity and exercise Takeaways References Chapter 3 Key questions Links between motor and social development Implications for classroom performance and support Takeaways References Chapter 4 Key questions Key ideas for organization Structure Setting Materials Frequency and duration Child/adult ratio Instructional methodologies Universal design for learning Activity schedules Priming Visual supports Modeling and guided practice Routines and procedures Social narratives Other considerations References Chapter 5 What does it look like? Aerobic exercise or physical activity How can I do it? Aerobic exercise or physical activity? Activities for physical activity/aerobic exercise Motor development and complex motor movements Activities for motor development and complex motor movements Meditation or calming activity Activities for meditation or calming activity Where can I get more information? Takeaways References Chapter 6 Key questions Selection of target skills Supporting skills in the classroom Environmental modifications Positive reinforcement Picture schedules Priming or previewing Modeling and role play Scripts or cue cards Social narratives Peer mediated interventions Takeaways References Chapter 7 Key questions Collaborating with families Support Communication Participation Feedback IEP goals Collaborating with other professionals Physical education Occupational therapists Paraprofessionals Takeaways References

About the Author :
Christopher Denning, PhD, is Assistant Professor of Special Education, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, College of Education and Human Development, University of Massachusetts, Boston.

Review :
A wonderful new resource for special education teams serving students with ASD.  Includes a multitude of fundamental and sequentially developmental physical/motor activities to get kids moving, promote health and well being, encourage social skills, and provides a foundation for success in attaining more advanced skills.  Detailed instructions and illustrations support occupational and physical therapy team goals and make it easy for teachers, paraprofessionals, and families to help incorporate and reinforce repetition of movement and skill acquisition into the daily classroom and home routine.  This is a terrific resource for all team members! I always find that physical activity and movement are beneficial for students to increase engagement and ability to focus on an activity.  This book helps identify and support why exercise and movement is so important and I appreciated reading the variety of options for how to integrate activities during the school day.  This is fantastic! I can't agree more that physical activity helps across the board for not just ASD kids, but everyone. I think it would be tremendous for educators to read this and understand the value and benefits better of gross motor movement and physical activity for these kids. How amazing if this was added into IEPs!  A growing body of research shows that many children with autism spectrum have significant deficits in motor and physical fitness. This new resource provides practical, step-by-step information that can help both special education teachers and parents create and implement motor and fitness programs specifically geared to the unique learning needs of children with ASD. Readers will particular benefit from chapters explaining the use of visual supports, modeling and other unique teaching methods as well as detailed information on organizing a motor program.