Course Description:
When we are children, the adults in our life make choices for us. They choose what we wear, where we go, what we eat and what we learn. As we grow older, we make more of those choices on our own. Learning is life-long. As an adult, we may enroll in art and crafts classes, writing classes, language classes. We might join a gym, or go to the library. We have these choices, and so should those who have Autism Spectrum Disorder. For individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, they may not be given the opportunity to make these choices. We want individuals to learn how to make as many of their own choices and decisions as possible. It is up to DSPs to help each person learn the skills needed to make choices and decisions. In Module 6 “Supporting Skill Development,” you learned different ways to teach and reinforce new skills that help each individual you support to be more independent and have more control of their lives. Given the tools to teach, this module will take the process one step further and apply those teaching techniques to community participation, career and vocational growth and other educational tasks that will enhance a person’s community participation, risk-taking and increased choice making.
Intended Audience:
Direct support professionals, case managers, nursing assistants, health aides
Author Bio:
The Massachusetts Council of Human Service Providers, Inc. also known as Providers’ Council is a statewide association of health and human service agencies. Founded in 1975, the Providers' Council is the state's largest human service trade association and is widely recognized as the official voice of the private human service provider industry. Providers’ Council founded and deployed the first online curriculum and credential programs for direct support professionals and continues to enhance this curriculum with current data and workforce practices.