This document outlines training modules for understanding autism spectrum disorders. It discusses 20 modules that cover topics such as defining autism, physical and cognitive characteristics, classroom environments, communication, behavior, social skills, and issues during adolescence and adulthood. Specific challenges of adolescence that are addressed include increased behavior problems, anxiety, sexuality, medications, medical checkups, precautions, and importance of physical activity.

1. The Basics of Autism
Spectrum Disorders
Training Series
Regional Autism Advisory Council of
Southwest Ohio (RAAC-SWO)
RAAC Training Committee 2011

2. Training Series Modules
 Module One: Autism Defined, Autism Prevalence
and Primary Characteristics
 Module Two: Physical Characteristics of Autism
 Module Three: Cognition and Learning in Autism
 Module Four: Getting the Student Ready to Learn
 Module Five: Structuring the Classroom
Environment
 Module Six: Using Reinforcement in the Classroom

3. Training Series Modules
 Module Seven: Autism and Sensory Differences
 Module Eight: Sensory in the Classroom
 Module Nine: Communication and Autism
 Module Ten: Communication in the Classroom
 Module Eleven: Behavior Challenges and Autism
 Module Twelve: Understanding Behavior in
Students with Autism

4. Training Series Modules
 Module Thirteen: Social Skills in the School
Environment
 Module Fourteen: Functional Behavior Assessment
 Module Fifteen: Working Together as a Team
 Module Sixteen: Autism and Leisure Skills to
Teach
 Module Seventeen: Special Issues of
Adolescence
 Module Eighteen: Safety and Autism
 Module Nineteen: Special Issues: High School,
Transition, and Job Readiness

5. Training Series Modules
 Module Twenty: Asperger Syndrome: Managing and
Organizing the Environment
 Module Twenty-One: Asperger Syndrome:
Addressing Social Skills

6. Challenges of Adolescence: Behavior
Behavior
 During adolescence there may be an
increase in aggressive behaviors.
 Adolescents with ASD are more likely to
have behavior problems than many other
developmental disabilities.

7. Challenges of Adolescence: Anxiety
Anxiety often gets worse as the student gets older.
A quiet time or a quieting routine may be helpful if
anxiety seems high.
Teach relaxation exercises as part of the daily routine.
Let them know when there are changes in schedule or
activities.
Medications for anxiety may be prescribed.
Physical exercise may be calming.

8. Challenges of Adolescence: Sexuality
 Some behaviors may be seen as sexually
inappropriate even if the student didn’t intend for
them to be.
 For example, the student with ASD may not
understand how staring, undoing pants on the way to
the bathroom, leaving the bathroom door open,
staring in windows, saying inappropriate things
bothers others.
 We will have to teach behaviors that are acceptable.

9. Big Idea
Inappropriate sexual behavior needs to
be treated as we would any other
behavior. We need to be matter-of-fact
when dealing with these behaviors. We
need to teach appropriate behavior.

10. Challenges of Adolescence:
Medications
 There is no “Autism” medicine.
 Medicine is used to target specific
symptoms.
 Doctors may use a trial and error
approach to find the right medicine and the
correct dose.

11. Challenges of Adolescence:
Medications
Symptoms that are sometimes targeted:
 Obsessive-compulsive behaviors
 Anxiety
 Aggression
 Seizures
 Hyperactivity/Attention

12. Big Idea
You need to clearly describe the
symptoms in order to help the
doctor know how to treat the
problem.

13. Challenges of Adolescence:
Regular Check-ups
 The student with ASD needs regular medical check-
ups.
 Vaccinations need to be up-to-date.
 Blood pressure needs to be checked yearly (more
often if the student has a blood pressure problem).
 Weight needs to be checked regularly to make sure
there are no rapid weight gains or losses.

14. Challenges of Adolescence and:
Regular Check-ups
 Adolescent girls need to begin to have visits with
the gynecologist. Special preparation needs to be
considered for this. Work together with the family.
 Regular dental check-ups are important. Special
arrangements may have to be made for these visits.
 Procedures like drawing blood or medical tests may
need special planning.

15. Challenges of Adolescence:
Everyday Precautions
 Skin should be examined for unusual growths or
moles (make sure the person wears sunscreen).
 Any changes in bowel or bladder habits should be
reported.
 Listen for loud snoring and gasping for breath
during sleep. Many people with ASD have sleep
apnea. This may need to be treated.

16. Big Idea
People with ASD will experience many
of the problems of growing older that
we all face. The challenge is that
they may not be able to tell you about
the symptoms they are experiencing.

17. Challenges of Adolescence and
Adulthood: Physical Activity
 Some people with ASD may not be self-motivated by physical
exercise but may be motivated by a favorite activity.
 The person may like certain activities such as swimming,
horseback riding, Karate.
 A daily walking program could provide
necessary physical activity.

18. Big Idea
Physical activity is necessary for
a healthy life style.