How to Support Autism Education

Methods used for educating autistic children will benefit the whole class.

While autism affects sufferers in many ways, most autistic children require structure and routine. Organization is hugely important, as the child must know the order of their day, and be able to predict what is happening next. The smallest deviation from a child's routine can cause them significant distress and cause behavior regression. Supporting an autistic child through education requires careful planning, but it's not difficult.

Instructions

1. Use visual aids around the classroom. Label different areas of the classroom and garden if possible. This should include zones, such as the "book zone," as well as different toys, and important areas such as the bathroom.

2. Produce a visual timetable. Use pictures to show what will happen at each time, and display this where the child will see it. If the timetable changes, use pictures with hook and loop fasteners attached, and change these at the start of the week. Ensure the timetable is big enough to see and the pictures are clear.

3. Use the Social Stories technique. This involves making step-by-step instructions, using both words and pictures, for situations the child may find stressful or anxious. For example, you could use social stories to describe how children should react to a fire alarm.

4. Make use of different learning techniques. Autistic children often find role-playing effective, so use dress up clothes and drama activities whenever possible. This type of education can be useful for helping the child develop social skills as it involves interaction with other children.

5. Use the Picture Communication Exchange System, or PECS, system. Discuss this system with the child's parents before using it, as a version of this may already be used at home. The system involves using cards displaying pictures to communicate with the child and helps teach the child new words. The system allows the child to communicate by showing the card they want, and it eventually works up to helping the child construct sentences and make choices.

6. Implement the SPELL framework. This is a framework designed by the The National Autistic Society that provides a useful checkpoint for schools, including a useful way to remember them. The letters stand for Structure, Positive approaches, Empathy, Low arousal, meaning calm, and Links. A setting that has all of these things will allow a child to thrive.

7. Discuss the child's individual needs with the parents. There may be systems at home that work and could be implemented at school. A close working relationship between the school and home is vital for consistency, so arrange a regular meeting to discuss necessary changes and progress.

References

• "The Color of Autism: Methods to Reach and Educate Children on the Autism Spectrum"; Toni Flowers; 2003
• "Inclusive Education: Readings and Reflections"; Gary Thomas and Mark Vaughan; 2004