Autism Strategies

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Monday, October 16, 2006

autism strategies

Factors to Consider when Teaching a Child with Autism

Teaching a child with autism is a challenge for most people, especially for parents who have not yet accepted the condition of their child or have not been informed on the things that need to be done in order to ensure the good education of their special child…

Autism is a mental disability that attacks the ability of the child to move, communicate, think, and feel normally. Knowing these would enable parents as well as other people involved in teaching the child with the right guidelines on the proper way on how to educate autistic child.

Here are the factors to consider when teaching a child with autism:

Instructional Formats or Curriculum – There is no single and general effect of autism. Different children suffering from the same disorder happen to have different conditions. Each requires a special instructional format or curriculum to be applied. Thus, the way of teaching is not based on autism itself but the effects it has brought to the child.

However, there are general instructional formats or curricula that can be given to every autistic child. The difference is only on the approach of teaching.

Communication concerns – The way instructions are given to children with autism should not be the same with the normal students. Since autistic children have difficulties on understanding things verbally and could not communicate well verbally, instructions should be given in a different way. The classroom should then be equipped with things that would enable children to learn even without verbal instructions. Visual activities are better ways to communicate with special children. Instructions and rules, outside the curriculum that need to learn and understand should be given in the way the children could understand most. The main point is to communicate properly and effectively.

Age – Autistic children may have the same physical age may have different mental age. Knowing the mental age of the child is would provide easier learning process for both the child and the teacher or parents.

For young autistic children, parents must apply the early intervention program that would enable the child to be guided correctly in terms of discipline, motor skills, and communication. This must be done as soon as you discovered that your child is suffering from autism.

Meanwhile, instruction for elementary students may include ways on how to integrate with other people or making friends. In other words, autistic children should be trained to be sociable in this period of learning.
Autistic children in their high school years must learn how to integrate not only with other people but also with the whole community. How to work, live, participle and recreate with other people is very important to learn in this stage.

Behavioral factors – Autistic children need to be guided with how they behave to themselves and to other people. This is because they are especially passive or have developed destructive or excessive behaviors. If before, the approach to change this behavior is by punishment, today, the approach given is by positive behavior support or the PBS. This approach treats the children with dignity and respect that would not only improve their self-worth but also improve their behavior dramatically without using cruelty. Special children need affection and care. This approach can answer these needs.

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