Autism Observation

Observation Summary

Alex is 4 yr. old boy in a pre-program. He has been diagnosed with autism and is currently taking speech therapy. I had the chance to observe him inside the classroom and in the playground areas. He is in a classroom with 16 other students. They have centers located in the classroom for imaginative play, manipulatives, water table, art, blocks, computer, reading, and science. I have observed in the all of these centers however I focused on the imaginative, manipulatives, art, playground, and classroom participation in carpet time.

A child with autism shows impairments in imaginative play, social interactions, and communication, with an onset before the age of three (Sicile-Kira, 2004). Based on this definition, Alex demonstrates

Furthermore, a positive transition creates a solid foundation for an adaptive adult life course (Shattuck, Wagner, Narendorf, Sterzing, & Hensley, 2011). These articles’ supports my belief that Alex will be able to have a job if these goals are monitored and assessed often to help him reach his goals in high school. Although, he does well academically I still believe that he would benefit from community vocational services because of his impairments with social relationships and communication. Disability services helps people who have disabilities find employment, find care providers and gain access to technology helps people continue to live independently (North, 2016). I think that Alex could live in an assisted living facility. In (M. W. Krauss, 2005), living in an assisted living facility increased opportunities for personal growth, acquisition of new skills, expanded social benefits, and access to structured programs that included a wide range of supports necessary for more independent living. Overall, I think that he could function in society as an adult if his goals are met in his IEP while in high school, and with disability

Imitation

This rating is based on how well the child imitates both verbal and non-verbal acts When I say “good morning” Alex usually replies with a delay. Also, when I give him a bye- bye wave he usually will wave back with a delay. Also, during art time I showed him how to cut the circles but he had a hard time understanding my request.

III. Emotional Response

This rating scores how well the child reacts to both pleasant and non-pleasant situations. Most of my students are happy when parents arrive and they will quickly get their things to go home. However, Alex showed lack of emotion when dad drops him off or picks him up. It rained one day and the rest of the class was sad because they couldn’t go outside however, Alex started to clap his hands together.

IV. Body Use

The focus of this category is the coordination and appropriateness of body movements.

He will spin and mumbles words to himself during carpet time. He was walking around the room when he is supposed to be in the housekeeping center.

V. Object Use

This is the rating of the student’s interest in toys or other objects, and how appropriately they are used. Alex used appropriate play with toys and other items in the class however, I had to show him what to do first or else he would just sit there and