Teaching kids with autism the art of conversation
by Beth
A National Public Radio story I heard the other day talked about a program at Baltimore’s Kennedy Krieger Institute that teaches social skills to kids with autism.
For children like Alex with autism, social interactions are a struggle. But Freedman is part of a team of researchers at Baltimore’s Kennedy Krieger Institute that has developed a course to help these kids improve their social skills. The program is called Building Up Development of Socialization, or BUDS.
Alex says he is doing better than he used to since starting the program several months ago.
“I had a perfect week last week,” he tells Freedman. “I was never going into the red zone.” That refers to a number of behaviors that get Alex in trouble.
Alex and several other children with mild autism have been meeting every week with Freedman and autism specialist Elizabeth Stripling. The idea is to teach the social skills that most kids pick up without even thinking about it.
The story follows Alex and another student, Joseph, as they go on field trips and learn to talk and listen to each other. What I liked best about the piece is how it emphasized that when it comes to kids with autism, it’s all about coaching and practice, not just rules.
“One of the problems that kids with autism can run into is that when they’re taught very rigid rules, they only stick to those rules,” Freedman explains. “So we try to help them understand some nuances within interaction.”
If you missed the story, you can hear it online. Check it out!
January 25th, 2009 at 2:55 pm
looking for good things and social groups for 18 year old
January 19th, 2009 at 10:31 pm
I am very interested to learn more about teaching kids with autism the art of conversation,please reply ,my son needs this service .
January 18th, 2009 at 1:37 pm
HELP!!! I have a 22/y/o severely autistic son who I can not find placement for. I can no longer care for him. His violent out bursts have bruised and bloodied not only himself but me! According to AL Medicaid he does not qualify for a medicaid waiver to help cover group home costs. I have written to the Governor and my Senators for help. Apparently their hand are tied and can only write letters.
It pains me to say this but I have to get this young man out of my house. I have another child (16y/o) who is suffereing greatly because of the actions of his older brother.
In addition I have had to give up my job to stay home and care for him. Which means I lost my health ins and life ins for me, my husband and youngest son. I have looked into having someone sit with him but they all want $10-$25 per hour and I worked in an elementary cafeteria making maybe $6. per hour I just can’t afford to pay someone. Not to mention the liability if and when he “flips out” and hurts them.
CAN ANYONE HELP ME??? I AM ABOUT TO SNAP.
WHAT CAN I DO?