Research shows for ALL kids, that it is not the academics that get them jobs post high school- it is the extent of their independent skills and social skills. Our students with disabilities, and particularly our students with ASD are lacking in these two areas of skills. Kansas University has released free modules that contain video modeling, lessons, activities, and guided notes. Click on the button below to visit the homepage. Once there- scroll down to the bottom to sign up for free access.
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Teach social skills through literacy. One of the first experiences a child has bonding with their caregiver over a shared interest is while reading a book. We can utilize these times of reading together to teach a multitude of social skills: problem solving, how others have thoughts and feelings different then our own, cause and effect of actions and feelings on others, etc. As children on the spectrum get older they tend to gravitate towards nonfiction books because they do not need to navigate all of the social nuances found in fictional reading. Rarely are reading difficulties a result of actual reading skills, but more deeply rooted in engagement difficulties and social skill level. Start bonding over fictional books when they are little to teach the love of reading, as well as teach social skills. Checkout START's resource "Top Ten Impacts on Literacy" by clicking on the button below.
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