April is National Autism Awareness Month. According to the Autism Society, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disability which generally appears in children at an early age and affects a person’s ability to communicate with others.
In the spring 2015 issue of Instructor Magazine, Senior Editor Kim Green consulted with educators trained in autism to compile 10 strategies to help teachers support the needs of autistic students. Here are a few of those strategies:
●USE VISUALS. Using visuals can help students with autism in a wide range of areas—from understanding rules to explaining social situations.
●STRUCTURE YOUR DAY. Routines are doubly important for students who require a tight structure. In addition to a posted class schedule, students on the spectrum can benefit from a personal daily schedule with built-in visuals.
●TELL A SOCIAL STORY. Difficulties with social skills is a hallmark of autism. Using “social stories,” a technique developed by Carol Gray, president of the Gray Center for Social Learning and Understanding, can help guide students through interactions with peers and teach social norms.
●KEEP IT SIMPLE. Following a long set of directions is difficult for most students. It’s especially challenging for a student who struggles with oral language processing, as is the case for many children on the spectrum.
To read the full article, click here: Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
