Alessandra+Gadaleta

Physical Education Teacher should know about Autism!**
 * Top 5 Essential Tools a

In a current school in my district, there are two new Autistic Classes with children ages 5-7. I stumbled upon a Physical Education that was not engaged in any type of activity. When I asked the Physical Education teacher what class it was, he stated "This is an Autistic Class and I have no idea what to do with them". One out of every ninety-four children in New Jersey are being diagnosed with Autism. With a growing number and districts trying to keep students in-district because it is cost effective, I thought it was important to educate the Physical Education Teachers on Autism and Adapted Physical Education. Here are the Top 5 Areas that every Physical Education Teacher should know about Autism:
 * The Focus:**

A. http://www.brighttots.com/Autistic_behaviors.html //This website provides information on the different types of behaviors, rituals, and interventions used for children with Autism. It's paragraphs are short and to the point. It gives the reader just enough to understand the important factors of autism.// B. [|www.helpguide.org/mental/autism_spectrum.htm] //This website give teachers the understanding of the differences in their learning capabilities. Some students are considered high functioning while other are low functioning. IEP's and lesson plans may be based on// this. C. http://specialed.about.com/cs/devdelay/a/autistic1.htm //Most Behavior modifications are made by the Child Study Team and classroom teacher. In order for the behavior modification to be set in place, the parent has to sign off on it. This website will give Physical Education Teachers insight on what a behavior modification is and why is may have to be used in their P.E. class.// A. http://www.autism4teachers.com/autism4teachers_051.htm //This website has different outlets for the different types of assessment used and examples of how to use them. Below is a concrete idea of the type of assessment that can be used in a physical education class while using prompts(teacher indicating to the student to "do this").//
 * 1. Behavior**
 * 2. Assessments**

When given a toy, will appropriately play with the toy with 70% accuracy on 5 occasions.

Directions: Each Day record the 1st response of the 1st session Step 1: Teacher prompt, “Do this” while showing appropriate response Step 2: Wait 2-3 seconds Step 3: Record response (0 = No response 1 =Incorrect response 2=correct response) Step 4: If 0 or 1: Use physical prompt/hand over hand to allow the student to make the correct response)

DATES: Imitation task

Roll the ball with 2 hands 0 1 2 0 1 2 0 1 2 0 1 2 0 1 2 0 1 2 0 1 2 0 1 2 0 1 2 Rolls the ball with one hand 0 1 2 0 1 2 0 1 2 0 1 2 0 1 2 0 1 2 0 1 2 0 1 2 0 1 2 Bounce passes the ball 0 1 2 0 1 2 0 1 2 0 1 2 0 1 2 0 1 2 0 1 2 0 1 2 0 1 2

A. [|www.sitagita.com/view.asp?id=8509] //This website provides a clear overview of what autism is. It also provides information about some autistic behavior, activities that may improve behavior, and understanding of how autistic children view others or the world around them.//
 * 3. Physical Education and Autism**

B. http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/03/fashion/03Fitness.html?scp=1&sq=autism%20and%20physical%20education&st=cse //This website provides just a clearer understanding of what to expect from children with autism and athletics.//

C. [|www.csupomona.edu/~pvetter/ape/web_links.html] //This website provides many resources for any physical educator of other links for information.//

4. **Gross and Fine Motor** A. http://www.andrustherapy.com/pediatrics-gm-delay.php //This website is a Physical Therapy Website but provides the reader with in-dept information on the Gross motor abilities in a normal child from 2 months to 6 years old. This website can help give a Physical Education an idea of what to expect and what to look for in Children ages 5-8.//

B.http://autism-therapy.suite101.com/article.cfm/occupational_therapy_for_autism //This website provides information on the delays of fine and gross motor skills in children with autism spectrum. It also gives examples on the types of activities that can be done to improve gross or fine motor.//

A. [|www.flaghouse.com] //This website will provide information for equipment needed for physical education. This company has sensory equipment to help provide motivation to complete a task. For example, there is a piece of equipment that is a pathway with different tactile feelings that a child would feel with their shoes off.__//
 * 5. Sensory Links/Equipment**