As a teacher, here are a few things to consider when teaching a child with Autism:
Provide a predictable and consistent activity classroom schedule. Routines and schedules help the children from day to day.
Find out what the student’s strengths and interests are and emphasize them. Tap into those avenues and create opportunities for success. Give positive feedback and lots of opportunities for practice.
Provide a quiet area and frequent relaxation time. Patience is important.
Provide opportunities for sharing and turn taking experiences. Help make the students feel as if they are just like everyone else.
Build opportunities for the student to have social/collaborative interactions throughout the regular the regular school day. Provide support, structure and lots of feedback.
Encourage choice making. Every child should have a say in his or her learning.
Be patient and allow extended response time.
Utilize technology and appropriate software. Learn about assistive technology that could help the child.
Provide instruction in small sequential steps. Take it one step at a time.
Make sure directions are given step-by-step, verbally, visually and by providing physical supports or prompts as needed by the student.
Be as concrete and explicit as possible in your instructions and feedback to the student.
Maintain communication between school and home for consistent expectations. Work with parents to create and implement an educational plan tailored to meet the student’s needs. Regularly share information about how the student is doing at school and at home.
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