Educational Resources

One of the major barriers for James to access a mainstream education is the stress he experiences when speaking to someone outside of his family or close friends. Some of the stress he experiences is due to being uncertain about different social protocols for different situations. Autism and Asperger’s syndrome are linked with an increased occurrence of mental health disorders; the most commonly reported are depression and anxiety (Howlin, 1997).

 

An artefact that could be used to help alleviate some of this anxiety in social situations is a video model. “Video modelling is a mode of teaching that uses video recording and display equipment to provide a visual model of the targeted behaviour or skill.” (The National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders, n.d, p.1). For James, video modelling could be used to help him understand what to do in certain situations that he may be unsure about, and have a ‘script’ that he can use. This gives him more control over the situation and thus removes some of the anxiety. An example could be a video model of how to ask someone for a glass of water, or how to excuse himself from a conversation in a polite manner.  Video Modelling is used by presenting James with a video that he can watch as much as he wants to gain an understanding of the situation. It is ideally used just before a given interaction is about to occur, so that it is fresh in his mind, but can be shown at any time. Another effective use for this resource could be for James to practice the skills gained with an individual he feels comfortable with, such as his Mum.  Again, given that he has an anxiety disorder, video modelling cannot be used in isolation but instead is used with other interventions, such as Occupational Therapy and access to a psychologist and psychiatrist.