Adult Service
Parents’ Corner
Enhance Training on Life Adaptation for People with autism spectrum disorders (ASD)
Nowadays in Hong Kong, there is a lack of effective training programs for adults with ASD and intellectual disability. This group receives training together with other disabled people in the same rehabilitation units. Studies and experience has shown that people with ASD have unique characteristics and there is a need to have a particular training curriculum for them. Hence, since 2006 the Association has developed a practical adaptive curriculum oriented towards daily life skills to satisfy the unique needs of ASD adults with intellectual disability.
The Life Adaptation Program is composed of three components and is illustrated as a growing tree (Figure 1).
Figure 1: Framework of Life Adaptation Program for Adults with ASD
The First Component: Sensory Modulation Training
Roots penetrate deeply into earth to absorb essential nutrients and also provide an anchor for a growing tree. We deal with everyday sensory information in our brain unconsciously without effort. People with ASD have difficulty integrating and interpreting sensory stimulation, and processing information. Sensory processing difficulties may be the underlying reason for such challenging behaviors as spinning, body rocking, rubbing objects, wandering and excessive use of the sense of smell. Sensory modulation training designed for people ASD with which meets their need to improve their ability to respond appropriately to sensory input focuses mainly on the vestibular, proprioceptive, tactile and visual fields. Techniques such as brushing and joint compression are applied by trained therapists.
The Second Component: Functional Behavior Training
Behavior like the trunk of a tree is easily observable. People with ASD struggling with sensory processing, as well as difficulties in communication and social interaction may have considerable anxiety and distress which expresses itself in terms of challenging behavior.
For example: An ASD client frequently plays with water. When his hands are in contact with water, it fulfils his tactile needs and helps him relax. Regarding functional behavior training, reinforcing the decrease in his challenging behavior is not enough, understanding the underlying needs of the behavior is crucial. Skill training in domestic cleaning can be provided to satisfy his sensory needs, equip his work capability, and enhance his independence.
The Third Component: Adaptive Skills Training
A healthy tree with dense foliage absorbs more sunlight and becomes bigger. People with ASD learn to strengthen their community living skills, which can lead to promising community inclusion.
| Domain (1): Social Communication Social communication training designed for adults with ASD geared to meeting their particular needs. Thematic learning is used with themes such as going out to dinner with relatives, and singing Karaoke that are common social activities which adults recreate and enjoy. Picture on left shows clients practicing social communication skills with the theme 'Going Out to have Lunch with Friends'. |
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| Domain (2): Daily Living Skills Daily living skills training is crucial to enhance independence of adults with ASD. Activities of daily living are broken down into training steps according to the individual abilities of the clients. Procedural training is adopted. Clients learn to do personal self care activities independently in the daily routine . |
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| Domain (3): Community Living Skills Community living Skills training aims at facilitating community inclusion of adults with ASD. Subjects of community living skills are wide ranging. The trainer selects particular subjects depending upon the individual abilities and characteristics of the clients. Skills commonly taught are using octopus, using transportation, buying daily necessities, and buying food at fast food shops are preferred. |
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| Domain (4): Leisure & Entertainment Most people with ASD find difficulty planning their leisure time. Facilitating people with ASD learn how to make best use of their leisure time can reduce the risk of challenging behavior, and also improve their quality of life. A variety of popular leisure activities for adults which have suitable training components can be introduced to client with ASD according to his/her ability and interest. |
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Please refer to our book '自閉症成年人生活適應教材套' to know more about the principles of this resource package, procedural training, activity design and guidance in applying technique as well as case studies and activity examples.