The Model Me Conversation Cues
dvd features middle and high school-aged children demonstrating
social skills at school and in the community. Each scene lasts
between 30 seconds and 3 minutes, depending on the chapter.
At the end of each chapter is a storyboard summarizing the
rules taught.
Hosted by teenagers from the video, who narrate each scene.
With narration: In the first half, the visual is combined
with narration and graphics that help explain the particular
rule.
Without narration: In the second half, the same video is
repeated without narration and graphics. This allows a parent,
teacher, or therapist to customize the lesson the individual
child and/or to test what was learned in the first viewing
of the video.
Each conversation skill is demonstrated in more than one
situation and across environments. This is useful to children
with Aspergers Syndrome and Autism because it helps with generalization
of the skill taught.
Graphics and music are used to make the dvd appealing to
children with Aspergers Syndrome and Autism.
A free CD-Rom of photographs is included with each video
purchased. The photos are a great way to demonstrate, review,
and test the social skills shown in the video. They may be
printed as flashcards for handy reference or viewed as a computer
slideshow.
What is Aspergers
Aspergers Syndrome is considered a milder form of Autism.
It is defined by the DSM-IV as follows:
299.80 Aspergers Disorder
A. Qualitative impairment in social interaction, as manifested
by at least two of the following: (1) marked impairment in
the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors, such as eye-to-eye
gaze, facial expression, body postures, and gestures to regulate
social interaction (2) failure to develop peer relationships
appropriate to developmental level (3) a lack of spontaneous
seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with
other people (e.g., by a lack of showing, bringing, or pointing
out objects of interest to other people) (4) lack of social
or emotional reciprocity
B. Restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior,
interests, and activities, as manifested by at least one of
the following: (1) encompassing preoccupation with one or
more stereotyped and restricted patterns of interest that
is abnormal either in intensity or focus (2) apparently inflexible
adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals (3)
stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms (e.g., hand or
finger flapping or twisting, or complex whole-body movements)
(4) persistent preoccupation with parts of objects
C. The disturbance causes clinically significant impairment
in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
D. There is no clinically significant general delay in language
(e.g., single words used by age 2 years, communicative phrases
used by age 3 years).
E. There is no clinically significant delay in cognitive
development or in the development of age-appropriate self-help
skills, adaptive behavior (other than in social interaction),
and curiosity about the environment in childhood.
F. Criteria are not met for another specific pervasive developmental
disorder or schizophrenia.
This definition of Aspergers Syndrome comes from the DSM-IV.
Provides an information packet to those on their mailing
list. Sponsors events and provides support, including social
groups and adult services
Sample 1 from Chapter Bored:
Sample 2 from Chapter Disbelief:
Sample 3 from Chapter When to Start Conversation:
Model Me Conversation Cues
Topics:
- When To Start Conversation
- Cue: Interested
- Cue: Not Interested
- How To Start Conversation
- Cue: Bored
- Take Turns
- Maintain Conversation
- Talk on Topic
- Cue: Disbelief
- Cue: Confused
- My Cues
- End Conversation
