The Link Between Autism and Trauma
The millions of Americans with autism and other developmental issues are more vulnerable to emotional trauma, often from bullying or sexual abuse. What can you do if this has happened to someone in your life?
Autism Is: Helping Students and Teachers Connect to Students on the Autism Spectrum
Do you remember the movie Bass Clef Bliss? About Terrance Patridge, an autistic teen who blossomed on the trombone?
It was produced locally by Patrick Scott and his company Drama House Productions and has been used as a vehicle for discussion nationwide.
It’s now the centerpiece of an educational program, Autism Is, that helps all students and teachers to be comfortable and connect with autistic students.
There was a study on it at UCSD that showed a lot of really helpful outcomes for the kids and teachers who participated in the program*.
And it’s been approved by the California Department of Education as the only current social content program to address anti-bullying.
We plan to present about it to community groups since we think that families might benefit from this at their schools.
Here is the website for the program: http://autismis.com/.
*Key findings
From the Social Network Analyses we learned that:
- Students reported the largest gains in friendship and recess ties from Time 1 to Time 2.
- Students reported having better quality friendships from Time 2 to Time 3.
From the Student Focus Group Interviews we learned that: - Students had comprehensive definitions of friendship, the evolution of friendship ties, and how
to be a good friend. - Students had strong emotional connections to the film Bass Clef Bliss: Terrence’s Path; they
identified key scenes that supported their understandings of concepts such as fear, overcoming
challenges, and making new friends. - Students made astute and mature reflections about how these lessons and a socio-emotional
curriculum in general, is necessary for students to thrive in school. From the Workshop/Teacher Surveys we learned that: - Teacher participants reported more confidence and competence in their understandings of concepts such as inclusive practices and social emotional development.
- Teachers described feeling much more willing to start difficult conversations with students to support their mental health.
- Teachers were positively affected by the study design including the workshops, the social network analyses, and the focus on inclusive practices.
You Might Also Enjoy...
ADHD Algorithm
Parents and caregivers need to understand medications and therapies available to help manage ADHD. In this podcast, Mara and I will explore options for ADHD and the process of selecting more effective treatments.
Dissociative Identity Disorder vs Plural Identity in Teens and Young Adults
This podcast is inspired by my experience with patients who report as part of their history that they are themselves a collection of several personalities that know each other and take turns.
Supporting the Mental Health of Migrant Children, Youth, and Families
Most migrant children and teens experience trauma in their home counties and en route to the US.. My latest book, co-edited with Drs Cary and Ward, helps you see the world through their eyes and provide them with meaningful mental health care.
Motivational Interviewing for Teens: Focus on Marijuana
Lots of teens use marijuana and many of these kids suffer significant harm from it. But just telling teens to stop is unlikely to work. This case based webinar will help you learn how to help teens reduce their use and the problems it brings.
Understanding Callous and Unemotional Behaviors in Children and Adolescents
Callous unemotional behaviors in children are frightening, however these behaviors are treatable, especially when children are young and morality is developing. In this podcast, we discuss what callous unemotional behaviors are and how to reduce them.