1. The Basics of Autism
Spectrum Disorders
Training Series
RAAC Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Task Force

2. Adult Training Series
Modules
 Module One: Autism Defined, Autism Prevalence
and Primary Characteristics
 Module Two: Physical Characteristics of Autism
 Module Three: Cognition and Learning in Autism
 Module Four: Autism and Sensory Differences
 Module Five: Communication and Autism

3. Adult Training Series
Modules
 Module Six: Behavior Challenges and Autism
 Module Seven: Understanding Behavior in Persons with
Autism
 Module Eight: Functional Behavior Assessment
 Module Nine: Autism and Leisure Skills to Teach
 Module Ten: Special Issues of Adolescence and
Adulthood
 Module Eleven: Safety and Autism

4. Autism and Leisure Skills to
Teach
Persons with ASD may not learn leisure skills
automatically.
Skills can range from:
None Limited

5. Big Idea
Leisure skills need to be taught.

6. Autism and Leisure Skills to
Teach
 Leisure activities are an important part of
everyone’s life.
 Persons with ASD may have limited interests.
 We need to teach new activities to go with their
favorite activities so they have more choices.

7. Strategies to Increase Leisure Skills
 Some persons with ASD will prefer activities unique
to their special interests.
 If the person has a particular interest, use that to
guide leisure activities (i.e. Likes music – listen to
music, play music, go to concerts; Likes food – teach
them to cook).
 Some activities will need to be changed or adapted
to be successful (i.e. recipe for cooking should be
broken into simple steps with pictures).

8. Strategies to Increase Leisure
Skills
 A new activity will need to be taught step by step
with help and practice.
 Use a few clear words with visual and physical help
when teaching an activity.

9. Strategies to Increase Leisure
Skills
 Leisure activities can be done alone or as a group.
 Choices are important.
 Choice-making may need to be taught.
 Have a list or pictures of choices.
 Have a variety of activities so the person does not get
stuck in the routine of doing the same activity again
and again.

10. Big Idea
Help the person with ASD choose
a variety of activities so they do
not get stuck doing the same
thing over and over again.