Programs

Learn as you Play

Having raised two boys with autism,  we at ZAC understand the need for down time and play time. Using the strategy of an online playdate, ZAC provides an engaging and fun filled hour of play using board games, bubbles, sensory items and toys. 

Key Points

  • Play helps children develop skills that are important for learning and development.
  • Different types of play develop different skills.
  • Autistic children might need support for learning to play in ways that develop their skills.

Because there are 6 different types of play during your 30 minute program assessment you can decide with ZAC whether your child needs:

  • exploration play
  • cause-and -effect play
  • toy play
  • constructive play
  • physical play 
  • or pretend play 
  • all of the above

Reading and Storytelling

During reading and storytelling time we will use key strategies

  • Picture walks: Before reading, we'll explore the book together, pointing out key pictures and discussing what might happen in the story.
  • Visual Aids: Using picture cards, symbols, graphic organizers to represent key concepts and characters in the story.
  • Adapted books: We'll use books with large pictures, textured pages, or velcro pieces for interactive engagement.

Sensory Integration

  • Sensory storytelling: We'll incorporate textures, smells, sounds, or movements related to the story to engage multiple senses.
  • Tactile props: We'll use objects that relate to the story that your child can touch and manipulate.

Interactive Storytelling

  • Role-playing: Your child will be encouraged to act out characters or scenes from the  story using props or puppets.
  • Questioning: We'll ask open-ended questions about the story to promote comprehension and discussion.
  • Choice-based reading: Your child will select which page to turn to or which character to focus on. 

Live a Skilled Life

Giving each individual the skills they need to succeed!

Teaching life skills online to individuals with autism can be done effectively by utilizing visual aids, breaking down tasks into small steps, providing consistent routines, incorporating video modeling, and practicing skills in simulated real-life scenarios through platforms like video calls, while tailoring the instruction to each person's specific needs and learning style; key areas to focus on include self-care, communication, social interaction, money management, and basic household tasks, all delivered with a structured and supportive approach. 

Key Strategies for Online Life Skills Instruction for Autism: 
 

 

Music and Movement

Having fun with music

Music and movement can help children with autism develop social skills, motor skills, and emotional regulation. These activities can also help reduce anxiety and isolation. 
Social skills
  • Communication: Music can help children learn to make eye contact, take turns, and share 
     
  • Self-expression: Music therapy can help children express emotions like anger, happiness, and grief 
     
  • Social integration: Play-based interventions can help children with autism integrate socially 
     
Motor skills
  • Gross motor skills
    Dancing and other movement activities can help children develop gross motor skills 
     
  • Fine motor skills
    Music-based movement experiences can help children develop fine motor skills 
     
Emotional regulation 
  • Releasing repressed emotions: Music and physical movement can help children release repressed emotions 
  • Positive emotional experiences: Music and movement can help children generate positive emotional experiences 
  • Self-confidence: Children with autism can gain self-confidence through music and movement activities 
Activities 
  • Singing 
  • Playing instruments
  • Listening to music 
  • Dancing
  • Conducting 

Social Stories

Social Stories for Autism 

Social stories are a therapeutic tool designed to help individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) understand and navigate social situations. They are short, personalized narratives that provide information about social cues, expectations, and appropriate responses. 

Purpose and Benefits: 

  • Improve social understanding:
    Social stories help children with ASD learn about social norms, etiquette, and how to interact with others. 
     
    • Reduce anxiety and behavioral challenges:
      By providing clear expectations and guidance, social stories can help reduce anxiety and minimize disruptive behaviors in social situations. 
       
    • Enhance communication skills:
      Social stories can reinforce appropriate language use, social cues, and turn-taking skills. 
       
    • Build self-confidence:
      By providing positive reinforcement and celebrating successes, social stories can help children with ASD feel more confident in their social interactions.