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DOMAIN 1

In domain 1 there are several strengths in the areas regarding understanding of the basic differences in the neurodiverse community. These areas of strength are specifically in the areas of communication and social skills training. Additionally there is significant strength in areas of understanding behaviors and strategies in adaptation, self-regulation, and independent life-skills. An area of growth for module 1 would be in the area of how comorbidities, or co-existing conditions can affect individuals with ASD and how they appear in the general population. 

The focus of Domain 1 is on addressing the individual educational needs of students and on creating individualized instruction that leads to a learning environment that is the most conducive to learning and growth of the individual. Artifacts have been selected that represent each of the 12 competencies in this domain and are ways in which I am demonstrating my mastery in knowledge of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The competencies of Domain 1 are each addressed separately and evidenciary support is provided in the links below.  

1.1 Knowledge of medical aspects & implications for learning
The artifact that was used to document domain competency 1.1 was an online training program done through RELIAS. The subject matter was that of general knowledge and introductory topics regarding the diagnosis and learning implications of autism spectrum disorder. The RELIAS online training included video tutorials, vocabulary, learning implications, signs and symptoms, and general understanding of the diagnosis through the DSM-5. 
1.2 Knowledge of core & associated characteristics of ASD

The artifact that was used to document domain competency 1.2 was an online assessment done through AIM. The subject matter of the assessment was identification of autism spectrum disorder and the associated chractistics of the disorder. The AIM module taught core knowledge of what is known about the disorder, diagnostic information, and early signs in infants and toddlers. 
1.3 Knowledge of co-existing conditions in general population

The artifcat that was used to document domain competency 1.3 was an online assessment done through AIM. The subject matter of the assessment was on the identification of comorbidities along with information regarding ADHD and psychotropic drugs when taken by an individual with autism spectrum disorder. The AIM modules purpose was to share information about other aspects and diagnoses that may go along with an autism diagnosis. 
1.4 Recognition of sensory challenges of ASD

The artifact that was used to document competency 1.4 was a case study done in SPED 790 about the identification of sensory strategies for a case study student. The study explored the topic of High Functioning Autism (HFA) in a specific case study student, and the identification of sensory strategies that were most appropriate to implement based on data collection. The goal of the study was to analyze and interpret the data collected and determine what sensory processing issue or sensory based behaviors are present.
1.5 Understanding speech, language, & communication needs

The artifact that was used to document domain competency 1.5 was an AFIRM module completion certificate on functional communication. The AFIRM module was a training to understand the basic of functional communication and to learn various ways that an individual can spontaneously and independently communicate wants and needs and interact with others of communicatie with society as a whole. Functional communication comes in a variety of forms, including speech, picture exchange communication, gestures, sign language and assistive technology devices.
1.6 Addressing adaptive behavior needs

The artifact that was used to document domain competency 1.6 was an online training program done through RELIAS. The subject matter was that of naturalistic teaching strategies. This artifact was chosen to represent the adaptive behavior needs in that naturalistic teaching strategies are evidence-based procedures that are open and naturalistic in the environment as opposed to a structured settings. The natural environment is used as a place to promote independence and generalization of skills along with the promotion of learning to adapt behavior to a setting or environment and develop functional relationships to peers and interact with society. 
1.7 Effect of theory of mind, central coherence, & executive function

The artifact that was used to document domain competency 1.7 was an online assessment done through AIM. The subject matter of the assessment was cognitive differences. This artifact was chosen because theory of mind is is an important part of social-cognition. It is the ability to think of both your own emotions, desires, beliefs, and knowledge and well as those of others. Executive Function is also a large part of represntion cognitive differences. Executive function is a reference to high-level cognitive skills that are used to control and coordinate abilities and behaviors.  

1.8 Effect of neurological differences on learning & behavior

The artifact that was used to document domain competency 1.8 was an online assessment done through AIM. The subject matter of the assessment was on restricted patterns of behavior, interests and activities. The artifact was chosen for its representation of the challenges that are faced by people with ASD who have restricted patterns in their behavior that can make learning and interacting with others difficult. This concept is also seen in the restricted interests and activities that people who have ASD may have. The limitations to the way they engage may make learning and adapting behavior to societal norms difficult.
1.9 Knowledge of the effect of self-regulation on learning & behavior

The artifact that was used to document domain competency 1.9 was an AFIRM module completion certificate on self-management. The AFIRM module was a training to understand self-management evidence-based practices that can be used to help students with self-regulation in order to curb behavior problems and increase learning in the classroom environment.  
1.10 Instruction for independent life skills & adaptive behavior

The artifact that was used to document domain competency 1.10 was an online assessment done through AIM. The subject matter of the assessment was over transitioning between activities. The assessment tested over knoweldge based around evidence-based practice that can support students and children learning to transition smoothly between activities with the goal for independent transition allowing them to adapt their behavior to the environment in which they are in. 
1.11 Use specialized instruction to enhance social participation

The artifact that was used to document domain competency 1.11 was an AFIRM module completion certificate on social skills training. The AFIRM module was a training on how children with ASD have difficulty with developing appropriate social skills for societal interaction, peer engagement, and educational participation. The module reflected on evidence-based practices that can be used to increase social participation in various settings. 
1.12 Instruction based on learner, interests, & assessment

The artifact that was used to document domain competency 1.12 was an online training program done through RELIAS. The subject matter was discrete trial training or (DTT). DTT is an applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy that allows students to acquire new skills. DTT uses rewards in which learning is reinforced by incentives. These rewards or incentives should be preferred items of high interest for the learner. The skill taught through DTT are assessed through aquisition, fluencey, maintenance, and generalization. 

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Domain 1 Strengths and Growth 

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