A student suffering from Autism Spectrum Disorder
can face multiple problems in the classroom. It is a big challenge for the
teacher too. He/she must start with understanding autism and how an autistic
child can be helped. Below are a few things that a teacher can apply in the
process.
Read carefully:
1.
Allot tasks in a sequence in a specific
order.
2.
Use simple, tangible language. Use
minimum words to put your point across.
3.
Educate them some social rules or
skills. These include social distance and taking turns.
4.
Fewer choices make an autistic child
choose things accurately.For instance,
if there are balls in three colors, picking up one of the colors would be far
easier than to choose from 6 or 7 colored balls for them.
5.
A blank stare means that a child has
not understood the instruction. To make it clear, ask the child to repeat your
question after you.
6.
Do not use sarcasm. Children with
autism spectrum disorder (ASD) do not understand it.
7.
Do not use idioms. This leaves children
with ASD confused.
8.
Be clear and specific, if possible.
Choices that are open ended would lead them to nowhere.
9.
Always use smaller sentences. Repeat
and check to know if the child has understood what you said.
10. Make a clear daily
routine.
11. Warn
the child when there is a change in routine or activity.
12.Students usually do
not understand what finish means. Showing them a picture of what a finished
thing or work would look like will help them to do the activity appropriately.
13. Address them
individually. Calling them with everyone doesn’t work.
14. A slight change in
behavior or manner shows anxiety. Spot it.
15. Use different
presentation forms – physical guidance, visual, etc. to help the child when he
finds a certain thing difficult.
Summarizing
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental
disorder in children. The teacher must possess the knowledge and the required
skill to help the child understand, and develop his understanding skills.
