How to Teach Questions to Kids With Autism

Teaching children with autism can present genuine challenges for instructional models. However, many children with autism learn well with an appropriate and systematic teaching strategy. Children with autism are students first. They share more similarities with other students than they have differences. This is the most important aspect to remember when implementing a strategy. Children with and without autism learn best when they receive instruction within a routine and in a manner that is meaningful to them. To teach a child with autism the instructor can use strategies to ensure a routine is followed and the student derives benefit.

Things You'll Need

• Schedule
• Paper
• Pencil
• List of rules
• Pictures

Instructions

1. Provide a structured environment. The room should be free from distractions as much as possible. To achieve this in a classroom have unneeded equipment and tools hidden in closed cabinets. If you have open shelving, cover them with unprinted fabric. Seat the child away from busy pathways.

2. Place a daily schedule in view of the child. He may manipulate the schedule by marking off events that have been accomplished and move a magnetic dot to the next scheduled item. This helps the child understand what is coming up.

3. Give the child a list of rules written in a manner he can understand. They should be in view of the child from their seating area for reinforcement. If the rule list has "no biting" as a rule you should provide an appropriate action for the child to do instead. The child should be encouraged to review them as needed.

4. Write questions and answers on a paper or board in an uncluttered fashion. Use one sheet of paper for two questions so the child can focus on each question. This will be his study guide. You can place one question on each sheet if needed. Remember your goal is to teach the child the questions. Do not be concerned with having the test structured just like everyone else's.

5. Review questions and answers with the child verbally. Note any answers he misses and go over them again. Explain anything you think might confuse him. Try to relate the question to a special interest he has. If the child is a visual learner you may accommodate the child by using pictures in the questions. For example, "What color is the car in this picture?" will allow you to test the child on their colors as well as his ability to identify objects in a picture. To sequence a story you may use a storyboard instead of sentences.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not be concerned with "what's fair" when comparing the format provided for each child. The teachers role is to educate every child, not to keep everything the same.

• Do not treat every child with autism the same. Each has their own unique characteristics and attributes.

References

• Eric Digests