PATH INTERNATIONAL Annual Conference Cleveland, Ohio ASD Insights is a daughter/mother team who have the ability to describe autism in a first person perspective and explain the neurology of autism in an understandable manner through their educational workshops. The daughter/mother dynamic provides an experience which not only educates and provides the latest research findings on autism, but will provide strategies to inspire those who work with clients on the spectrum to explore techniques to try in an effort to establish networks for communication, movement, and cognition. Knowledge is power and one of the missions of ASD Insights is to empower parents, instructors, care-givers, and those on the spectrum with a sense of control over the often overwhelming impairments of ASD. Networking, research, interventions, schooling, legislation, employment, housing and agencies exist to help those with ASD, but not without fact-based, proactive management. Our sincere thank-you to all of you associated with PATH International for your dedication and hard work in promoting the use of our equine friends for the health and well-being of so many people. We hope your time with us this afternoon will give you an added perspective as you return to your centers to continue your wonderful work. Many thanks, Suellen and Elizabeth Hill www.asdinsights.com
LEARNING OUTCOMES By the end of this workshop, the participants will: 1. Review the signs and symptoms of those with Autism Spectrum Disorder 2. Define the concept of neurologistics why, where, and how the nervous system processes information 3. Relate ASD signs and symptoms with neurologistics 4. Describe strategies/techniques to use with clients on the spectrum based on neurologistics LET S BEGIN: Our Big Picture aka Our Goal Today Is To Become Better Instructors for Our Riders on the Autism Spectrum. 1. Review the signs and symptoms of those with Autism Spectrum Disorder As members of PATH, you may be familiar with many of the following signs and symptoms we see in our clients on the autism spectrum. Sensory receptive and processing overload manifested in varying behaviors Repetitive, non-purposeful patterns of activity Preoccupation/obsession with a specific item/area of interest Lack of or inappropriate social interactions Absent or fleeting eye contact Difficulty in prioritizing information/activities Difficulty in transitioning from one activity/thought to another Communication difficulties Motor skills may be underdeveloped Page 1 of 6
NEUROLOGISTICS: 2. Define the concept of neurologistics why, where, and how the nervous system processes information? Why do we even have a nervous system what is its purpose? What and where are the components of the nervous system? How are these components connected? How is information processed in the typical nervous system? Why is sensory input the spark for the nervous system? RELATING CONCEPTS: 3. Relate ASD signs and symptoms with neurologistics Research is zeroing in on the connections or pathways of the nervous system as the possible sites responsible for the variety, complexity, and degrees of the signs and symptoms we see with ASD. This double-edged finding means that the structure and component function of the nervous system is typical for those on the spectrum, but if the neural connections/chemistry are absent, overgrown, misdirected, or incomplete, then it is difficult or impossible for sensory information to be correctly gathered, directed, processed, and acted upon by someone with ASD. Let s revisit our typical neural pathway that we just built and ask a series of What if s?? What if the sensory receptor sites had a low threshold?? What if the sensory sorting center could not prioritize or direct the incoming sensory information? Page 2 of 6
RELATING CONCEPTS (cont.)? What if a neural pathway is absent?? What if a neural pathway was not pruned as other pathways formed?? What if the pathway kept adding more and more fibers?? What if the pathway veered off course and went to a different area of the brain?? If the neural pathways are absent, overgrown, or mis-directed, can new neural pathways be developed? Note: Not all atypical connections are bad or an impairment.. as Dr. Temple Grandin says, Different, not less. It depends on the degree of difference as to whether an impairment exists and then to the degree of the impairment s interference with the DSMV s big 5 (communication, executive function, motor skills, self-care, and social interaction) as to whether a disability exists. STRATEGIES: 4. Describe strategies/techniques to use with clients on the spectrum based on neurologistics. Manage the environment take note of what is contributing to the overall sensory experience Let the horse do the talking the rhythmic motion can be calming Provide the big picture or goal for the session Present requests visually pictures and/or demonstrations One request or activity at a time Page 3 of 6
STRATEGIES (cont.): Prepare for transitions, then transition slowly Pattern or build the new activity on the previous activity or existing interest Do NOT insist on eye contact or keep asking Are you listening? Allow extra time for processing and repetition of the activity Short circuit the short circuits Learn more about ABCDEFG and utilize those strategies/techniques Think outside the arena Sensory Input + the Big Picture + Association/Analyzation Activities + Time + Repetition = Opportunities for Neural Networking If a sensory processing overload (aka meltdown) occurs, use the acronym of: S T A Y C A L M Page 4 of 6
IN CONCLUSION: While researchers are working to find the answers about ASD, we are here in the field with our family members and riders on the spectrum who need help now. The signs and symptoms of ASD may vary in number and degree, but for our riders, the impairments can be disabling. How can we help? One of the first things we must do is study how the nervous system processes information so we can understand better how those on the spectrum struggle with the complex tasks of sensory reception, prioritizing, transmitting and processing the vast amounts of sensory data. If the sensory information is not processed correctly, then how can the person possibly communicate or perform the activities necessary to function in today s world? So, what strategies can we use to help those on the spectrum? This is where the field of EAAT is proving to address the many issues associated with ASD. The unique sensory experience provided by our equine athletes combined with orchestrated activities by knowledgeable personnel set the stage for neuronal pathway growth and connections. In fact, you are already using many techniques which will encourage this growth no matter what the diagnosis. With our clients on the spectrum, sensory processing awareness must be factored into your plan as you design your activities, enter the arena, and work with your riders. With your knowledge of neurologistics, you can begin to imagine how those on the spectrum might receive and process the many forms of sensory input. With your understanding of a neural network and the role of sensory input, you can try various ways to adjust the environment, techniques, and instructions for a minimum of sensory overload and hopefully allow the nervous system to link thoughts into actions. The brain is constantly growing, changing, and adapting to the sensory information received. When given the big picture, the human nervous system will spark from its various components in an attempt to link neural networks and achieve the goal that has been set. The frustrating puzzle for those on the autism spectrum is that they must first process the sensory information before they can link the networks. With your newfound knowledge, you can help them through this process. Above all, do not be afraid to try different ideas and techniques. Challenge your riders Challenge your staff and volunteers Challenge yourself! Page 5 of 6
YES, THERE IS MORE: Would you, your staff, your therapists, your volunteers, riders and parents be interested in a more in-depth discussion of today s subject or on any/all of the following topics? Autism Spectrum Disorder - Current research directions and findings - My View from Inside the Spectrum by Elizabeth Hill - As a Parent: Reaching Inside the Spectrum by Suellen Hill Neurologistics: Understanding the Signs and Symptoms of: (your center can choose one or all of the topics) - ASD - Cerebral Palsy - Down Syndrome - Parkinson s Disease - Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke) - Spinal Cord Injury - Traumatic Brain Injury - Multiple Sclerosis - Congenital Anomalies - Amputation associated concerns An Introduction to Amputations, Prosthetics, and the Equine Role in Rehabilitation Then go to our website www.asdinsights.com for a full description of each workshop and the details of how you can bring ASD Insights to your center and provide Continuing Education Credits* for you and your staff! Or contact Suellen Hill, PT directly at 304-203-2038 or Sue@asdinsights.com for ideas on how to incorporate ASD Insights into your center s Community Open House, Parent s Night, Volunteer Education Opportunities, Thank-You to our Staff Events or combine with other centers in your area for group discounts. *PATH International has granted hour for hour Continuing Education Units for our workshops. Page 6 of 6