Projects
This is a sample of a few of my projects; these are programs I have designed and created specifically for school aged youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder. All of the programs created thus far are school assignments and have not yet been implemented. I have decided to work specifically with this population due to the lack of available resources in Regina for children after they reach the age of six.
Creative Thinkers
Improv
There is a common misconception that improv is about being funny, but the truth is it’s about being open and accepting. The first rule is you cannot say no; this means that every idea is heard and accepted before the scene can move forward. “Social impairments are the core deficit of the ASD, which make social interactions with peers more challenging and perhaps the meaning of friendship is different for persons with ASD” (Taheri, Perry, and Minnes, 2016, p. 441).
Through improv we can learn body language and other nonverbal communication. This can also help ease anxiety that is often paired with verbal communication.
Social Animals
Animal Therapy
People with ASD typically struggle with social and communication skills; having limited social skills makes having peer interactions that are required to build social and communication skills more difficult, and can magnify anxiety or result in social anxiety. The presence of animals has been shown to reduce physiological stress responses in children with autism spectrum disorder (O’Haire et al, 2013).
The goal of this program is to teach age-appropriate social skills by using animals to promote a relaxed environment to reduce social anxiety and improve social skills.
Social Sampler
Recreational Activities
The purpose of this program is to identify leisure skills and interests, and encourage lifelong recreation participation.
It is for youth between the ages of 12-16 who have Autism Spectrum Disorder. Throughout the program youth will develop, improve, and maintain physical skills, language and communication skills, social skills, all while finding their love for leisure! Through a variety of activities we support youth in finding there recreation passion or 'flow.' The goal is to create an open environment to establish a love for leisure that will develop into participation in sport or recreational activities in the community.
Make a Difference Project 2019
Fundraiser
One of my classes we have to choose our own assignments. Among our choices is “Make a Difference” which is essentially my life goal, so I knew I definitely wanted to do something but couldn’t figure out what. I started brainstorming and eventually came up with the best idea ever. Every year Z99 does a 36 hour radiothon fundraiser to raise money for the NICU Mother-Baby unit for The Hospitals of Regina Foundation, and every year I’m trying to find a way to raise money. Enter my genius idea. I’m going to get window decals made for people with autism, from a local print company, sell them to the families who would benefit-while also raising awareness for autism, and donate the money to the radiothon. It’s a triple win.
Guide to Mindfulness for Teens
Mindfulness and Meditation
Practicing mindfulness and meditation has numerous health benefits. Learn about anxiety, common symptoms, and the benefits to mindfulness. Includes different mindfulness and meditation activities.
Fieldwork Project
Program Outcomes Evaluation
For my special project I developed a program evaluation to assess which objectives are being met, whether resident behaviour improves during or after, and if programs were implemented as designed or if changes/modifications were needed, and what the changes were. This observation-based evaluation measures outcomes in each domain (physical, social, emotional, sensory, and mental).