Autism and Social Skills Jessica Hendrix Jessica.hendrix@knights.ucf.edu 11-23-11 EEX 4070

Marion Oaks Elementary Located in Ocala, FL Mission Statement: The relationship between students and teachers at Marion Oaks Elementary School is one of mutual trust and respect, creating a secure environment where all students learn and grow socially, emotionally, academically, physically, artistically, and culturally. We will continue to create an inclusive learning environment which is centered around students, guided by teachers, and supported by home and community.

Decisions, Decisions! Initial decision: Help students with disabilities learn writing skills. Actual decision: Work with an individual student to help develop social skills needed for a mainstream classroom. Vincent Fifth grader White male Autism Spectrum disorder Academically working on grade level Lacking necessary social skills for a mainstream classroom

IDEA How Vincent’s disability affects his education… Autism: a developmental disability significantly affecting verbal and nonverbal communication and social interaction that adversely affects a child’s educational performance. Characteristics: Uneven academic achievement Excessive self-inflicting movements Social dysfunction

Service in Action

Perceptions of Differences Initial Thoughts: Students with disabilities would be hard to work with. Final Thoughts: Students with disabilities are a great asset to the classroom!

Connections to Your Course EEX 4070 Teaching Exceptional Children Sign Language: Hand motions that represent spoken words Used by hearing impaired Kinesthetic learners Autism: Type of learning disability No known cause Difficulty relating to people Strategies: Vary instruction Increase metacognition

Civic Engagement Service learning and civic engagement are now a part of my DNA! Civic Engagement allows those who are more fortunate help those in need, we are all here for each other. Service-learning is the best method to actually teach students what they need to know.

Final Thoughts & Reflections Person’s with disabilities Don’t judge a book by it’s cover! Respect Teacher’s Role Model Incorporate life skills