Autism presents itself as a complex series of symptoms that manifest themselves in different ways, and which therefore must be treated differently, from person to person. This presents a challenge when it comes to how to educate an autistic child. Although every autistic child is an individual who responds differently to teaching methods, there are some strategies that are generally applied to help autistic children learn.
Steps
Step 1. Identify the learning space
This will help autistic children, who often have problems coping with different environments or cluttered spaces.
- Build the learning area with separate and defined sections, such as toys, crafts and clothing.
- Place physical signs that define zones on the floor, such as rugs or squares bordered by tape.
Step 2. Create a repeating program
Many children with autism are very comfortable with a schedule to follow, so it's good to give them the confidence that they know what to expect each day.
Put a clearly visible analog clock on the wall and post pictures of the day's activities and the time they will take place. Refer to the clock when indicating the time the activities will take place
Step 3. Use subtitles on a television to encourage reading
- Subtitles allow the child to associate the printed words with the spoken words at the same time.
- If the child has a favorite TV show, record it with subtitles and use it as part of a reading lesson.
Step 4. Allow the child to have their own lesson plan
Children with autism are able to learn in the same way as those who are not. They simply need a strategy that allows them to absorb the information correctly.
Notice what objects the child is attracted to. Does he need to walk to recite the alphabet? Can you read aloud better when holding a blanket? Whatever means he needs, let him use it to learn better
Step 5. Teach autistic children to socialize
Many autistic children have difficulty understanding emotions, motivations, and other social cues that are instinctively perceived by other children.
Read stories to a child to show him how to behave correctly in different situations. For example, read a story about a sad child and point out a long face or tears as examples of sadness to help him better understand this emotion. The child can learn to recognize it thanks to memory
Step 6. Use fixations as teaching tools
Many autistic children become obsessed with certain objects, and you can use this to your advantage when teaching.
For example, if a child is obsessed with toy cars, use them to teach him geography by "driving" the toy car on a map
Step 7. Avoid long verbal orders
They can confuse the child, because autistic children often have trouble understanding the sequences.
- If the child can read, write the instructions.
- Give the instructions in small steps.
Advice
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Try to use creative and fun methods to teach the child. This is the best solution, because an autistic child will react better this way. For more information, you can get these books:
- (Per te) Great Ideas for Teaching & Raising Children with Autism or Aspergers's. By: Ellen Notbohm and Veronica Zysk. Foreword by (an autistic person) Temple Grandin, Ph. D
- (For the child) Everybody is Different written and illustrated by Fiona Bleach
- Don't repeatedly call an autistic child by name if they don't answer. He may not understand what you are saying.
- Use picture boards to provide the child with a non-verbal means of communication.
- Don't yell at the baby. Autistic children have sensitive ears. Shouting will make things worse. As an example, a whisper in the ear may sound like a normal tone of voice to an autistic child.
