How to Help Students With Autism
Autism is a neurological disorder that predominately affects the way a person interacts with the world. Social understanding and interactions, receptive and expressive communication and the sensory system are typical areas of symptoms. Autism is not curable but it is treatable. With modifications in the classroom and the correct support system, a student with autism can be very successful.
Instructions
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Labeled shelf Create an organized system. For a student with autism to be successful, they have to be able to know what to expect. If they don't have to waste anxious energy on small things like where to find the right materials, it frees up space in their minds for learning. In other words, an organized classroom space helps a student with autism relax.
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Individual differences must be respected and nurtured Develop a safe learning environment. Students with autism are typically dealing with anxiety as well as symptoms from autism. You can help students feel less anxious by ensuring that the learning environment is a safe place to be. Students should show respect for each other and each other's differences at all times. If you can make this a quiet space with few surprises, even better.
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Visual representation of 25 percent being smaller than 75 percent. Offer visual aids. Communication is the primary area where students with autism are going to struggle. Visual aids to support the learning material will help the autistic student to be more successful. Think way out of the box on this one! With some creativity, every concept and direction can be supported with visuals. It does take time to make all of them, and this is where school volunteers can be helpful.
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Which picture would tell a student it is time to read at her desk? Write social stories, or have groups of students or a parent do it. Social stories are individually created or catalog purchased. They outline social expectations for students to understand what behavior or communicative responses are expected and why during any given situation. These stories are told with pictures and simple sentences. Even a quick, on-the-spot, stick figure cartoon by a facilitator can help a student get through a sticky situation.
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You are doing it! Praise, praise, praise! If you throw a piece of candy (or some other favorite tangible) in there, even the better for a quick response. Like all students, children with autism respond to being told what they are doing right. The more a student is recognized with positive energy during a particular behavior, the more likely a facilitator will see that behavior again.
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Tips & Warnings
There is so much more to learn about helping students with autism, but with these quick tips you should have some time to continue your research.
Students with autism enrich the classroom environment through their unique contributions.
There is no way to be perfect, all you can do is the best you can and it will be appreciated.
Keep a positive and open mind!
It is imperative that a teacher do continued research and training while developing a support system for themselves to access when a student with autism joins a class. It is a journey that you will want to be collecting the tools for.
References
Resources
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