How to Teach Autistic Students to Raise Their Hands
The strategy of classroom inclusion is becoming a popular method of teaching children with autism. While it may be helpful in some situations for the student with autism, it can also be difficult for a teacher to run a class as smoothly with a student who does not understand social conventions such as raising their hand. It is possible, however, to work with students with autism to teach them how to raise their hand in class.
Instructions
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Make your expectations clear. You can't assume that a student with autism will understand to raise his or her just because other children in the classroom raise their hand to be called on. Sitting down with the student and explaining that they need to raise their hand to be called on can make a big difference.
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Use visual cues for the student with autism. If you create a small note that can be taped to the student's desk that reminds the student to raise his hand to be called on, along with other practical classroom advice, it can help the student remember classroom conventions like hand raising.
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Create a social story that explains the importance of hand raising. A social story provides a specific real life example for students with autism that explains what a student should do in that situation and why it is important to act that way. This may be the most effective way to teach hand raising, as well as other skills.
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Tips & Warnings
Remember to be patient with students with autism. They can be taught to raise their hand, but it may take some time.
Utilize other students in your classroom. They will likely be more than willing to help remind their classmate of how to act in class.
