COMMUNITY HELPERS AND AUTISM

Lessons can begin with teaching the names of community helpers, the names of their workplaces, and, for some community helpers, the name of their vehicles and tools. These topics can be a great opportunity to work on general skills such as: matching, receptive language, expressive language, and answering yes/no questions.

The topic of community helpers can also be a great opportunity to work on social skills. A great way to work on social skills is by using role play. You could practice with your learner how to greet a community helper, how to thank a community helper, and how to ask a community helper for assistance.

It is important to provide opportunities to observe community helpers in real life settings, along with lessons at home, school, or a clinic setting. This is a great opportunity for learners to see community helpers in action and practice social skills in context. A community helper in a uniform can be intimidating, so having real life practice meeting community helpers can be beneficial for kids to feel comfortable asking for help in the future. There are also organizations that work with individuals and assist with the process of learning and helping with exposure to real life situations that could occur while out in the community. The availability of resources such as this varies state to state so research is required to know your options.