According to the most recent estimates from the CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network, currently about 1 in 36 children has been identified with ASD. As these numbers rise, it’s increasingly important for educators to understand how this range of conditions affects the way they teach and how they can more effectively provide for students with ASD.
In honor of National Autism Awareness Month in April, we’re providing some guidance on understanding autism for kids.
How do you describe autism to kids?
Teaching children what autism is and how it may affect their friends and classmates is the first step in helping to create a more inclusive classroom space for children of all needs and abilities. Emphasize that everyone is different in the way that they learn and communicate to others, and that some people have a harder time then others – and that’s okay. Avoid labeling words like “good” or “bad” or “normal”, and focus on abilities and passions, rather than any limitations or struggles. Come from a place of empathy and understanding, while encouraging children’s curiosity and answering questions. Continue to model acceptance in your behavior throughout the school year to set an example for the students.
Tips for Supporting and Communicating with Autistic Students
- Inclusive Classrooms: Within inclusive classrooms, all children have the chance to interact with and learn from their peers and are not separated by special education classes.Inclusive environments can provide opportunities for children with autism to increase their social interactions and in turn improve their social skills. Interacting with peers gives students with autism a chance to practice communication skills, develop friendships, and see how peers behave in day-to-day situations.
- Be patient: Classmates with autism may have a hard time communicating or expressing their wants and needs. Encourage your students to be patient with their autistic classmates, give them lots of time to answer questions, and to not be afraid of having to prompt them multiple times for information.
- Organization and Planning: Executive function describes the skills needed for planning, organizing and prioritizing tasks and this is often an area of significant challenge for ADHD and autistic learners. Have different versions of instructions, or work with autistic students to help find the best way to organize their schoolwork. Provide timetables, visuals, precise and clear instructions, break down tasks into smaller segments, or a task tracker and check in periodically to help keep them on track.
- Assistive Technology: Schools can also invest in assistive technology for all students to use, bringing neurotypical and special needs students to learn together and create meaningful moments. An example of assistive technology is the Tovertafel by Tover, a stimulating and innovative light projector that challenges kids with special needs to practice social-emotional skills in a fun and playful way. The colorful, interactive projected games keep children engaged, so professionals can take the time to practice new types of behavior in a safe setting.
Autism shouldn’t be a topic teachers and students avoid, nor should it only be talked about in April for awareness month. Teachers should be educating students throughout the year and continue to be a role model for their classrooms, helping all different kinds of children to learn together.
What are some ways you help educate your students about autism?
Resources:
VARconnection 