Factors to Consider Regarding Student Behavior or Change in Behavior of Persons with Autism
By Kathy Johnson and Sally Burton-Hoyle

1. Medication Review

• Doctor prescribing: name, location, experience with spectrum disorders
• Dosage of medication
• Supplements: herbal, name of supplements and medications. Side effects?
• Has there been an increase/decrease in weight-how much?

2. Fatigue level

• Is there sleep disturbance (Hours of REM)
• Asleep at __________
• Awakes at _________
• Noises (does he/she make noises or talk while in bed?)
• Do slight noises awake the person?

3. Family Home Dynamics

• Changes in family members?
• Is there a change in sibling interaction?
• What would siblings say might be causing difficulties?
• Are there anxiety-increasing events as a family you stay away from?

4. Diet

• Changes in diet?
• Name of diet? Prescribed by whom?
• Has there been decrease/increase in weight?
• If so how long, has new diet been in place?
• What are behavioral changes noticed since new diet?
• Have you spoken with a Registered Dietician?

5. Sensory Disturbances

• Has there been a sensory evaluation done by sensory processing expert? Dates of last evaluation
• Sensory Diet prescribed?
• Is it being followed by home/school?
• Are there new and different sensory challenges since any new medication or diet changes?
• If so what are they?
• Has an M.D. (health professional) been notified of sensory disturbances?
• Is puberty an issue -yes/no -age of person
• Have there been changes in toileting?

6. Peer Interaction

• Does child interact with any typical kids?
• Did child do so previously? When?
• What would typical peers say is causing changes in child's behavior?

7. Movement

• Is there opportunity for movement in a typical meaningful way in class? (pulling wagons does not count).
• Would movement in classroom be aberrant?
• Does movement increase or decrease anxiety?

8. Schedule

• Is there a time in a day that student's anxiety is raised?
• Is there a visual schedule: home/school? Change in schedule?
• Was/is student notified of upcoming changes?
• How is the mode of clarifying changes with the student (oral)?

9. Educational modifications present: . . .

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10. Other factors that may be relevant to behaviors demonstrated:

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