Understanding and teaching Children and Adults who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and have an Autism Spectrum Disorder: Help for Staff and Families

Which is the “primary” disability: ASD or deafness? Will sign language training help? Which program is most appropriate for a person who is deaf or hard of hearing AND has an autism disorder? This presentation will assist teams in answering these questions and provides important information to help teach, understand and communicate effectively. With a focus on individualizing service delivery and using a “multiple means” approach to teaching communication, this presentation brings many practical and useable strategies for effective teaching at home, at school, in a residence, at work or in the community. Strategies to help identify children and adults who have both an autism disorder and are deaf or hard of hearing will be shared.