Teaching Students With

Autism/Asperger's

Katherine, Addison, Emily, Leigh, &

Kinsey

Useful tips

Many useful tips in teaching kids with Autism/ Asperger's

Use simple language

Clear instructions

Various means of presentation (Visual, hands on etc.)

Encourage talents

Simpler the better

Education Therapy

There are a number of different therapeutic methods that have been proven to help teach children with autism, these methods include:

• Applied Behavior Analysis: ABA teacher observes behavior of a person with autism then records any material that was not shown during the session. The teacher rewards the person with every question they answer correctly which furthers good behaviors.

Education TherapyTEACCH: A method that demonstrates a strict schedule and simple methods of learning.

Sensory Integration Therapy: Helps children that repeat behaviors that are unnecessary and help them grow in there language skills and vocal exercises.

Developmental, Individual Difference Floortime (DIR): Teaches kids with autism to engage in emotional behaviors, how to connect their thoughts and ideas, and self-expression.

Education Therapy

Developmental, Individual Difference Floortime (DIR): Teaches kids with autism to engage in emotional behaviors, how to connect their thoughts and ideas, and self-expression.

Teaching Methods

Facilitated Communication: This is more of a hands on teaching method where the teacher holds the child's hand or arm and helps them push keys on a computer in order to communicate.

Picture Exchange Communication System: a form of communication used by kids with autism. Children use pictures, ideas, and visual activities as means of communication.

Teaching Methods

Daily life therapy: A Japanese teaching method known as daily life therapy adds physical therapy to the daily activities of students with autism. Many students have responded positively to these activities.

Sign language: In some schools, teachers teach sign language to students who have not developed speech skills. Many kids enjoy using sign language because they can respond better to hand motions rather than facial expressions.

Teaching Methods

Inclusion: This is mainstreaming or integration which is a good approach when it comes to educating kids with autism. It places these children in classes with kids without disabilities. Many children show improvement and respond better in this type of environment.

Teacher Perspective

What is a unique incident that has happened in your class?

• “One of my students had serious behavior issues and would be very violent but he has learned so much and came so far since last year. He is one of the most well behaved kids in the class now and that’s a great feeling.”

Teacher Perspective

How have you altered your personality to fit your students’ needs?

• “I have learned to be a lot more patient teaching at rose the past two years than I ever have. I always knew my job was going to be hard work but I’ve definitely gained more patience from it.”

Teacher Perspective

What’s a typical day like?

• “We do lessons in the morning and some kids go to elective classes. Then during 3rd we do physical exercise either in PE or on the track and fourth period is quiet time followed by group activities.”

Student Helper PerspectiveWhat made you want to help teach kids with autism/Asperger's?

• “I started doing ECBL, which is exceptional community baseball league and I loved it. When I was offered the opportunity to do this, I changed out of one of my classes and chose to do this.”

Student Helper PerspectiveHow did the kids react to you at first?

• “All of them reacted differently towards me. Some love my bird whistle. Some don’t even notice my presence.”

Student Helper PerspectiveHow has it altered your personality?

• “I think a lot more about the way people think. It has gotten me interested in psychology, I’m always wondering what is going through their minds. I feel that I’ve become more intuitive.”

Student Helper PerspectiveHave you begun to see life a bit differently after helping kids with autism?• “I started to see the importance of patience and how

you need to be more understanding of the way different minds work because everyone has feelings and thoughts, but we just are not all thinking the same.”

CNN Special on Autism

http://youtu.be/G9oYALCTAKE

Works Cited

Campbell, Stephanie. Personal Interview. 02 Oct 2012.

Cullipher, Bridgette. Personal Interview. 27 Sep 2012.

"Google." Google Images. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Sep 2012. <www.google.com/images>

Works Cited

Grandin, Temple. "Teaching Tips for Children and Adults with Autism." Angel Fire.

N.p., July 1996. Web. 28 Sep 2012.

Warber, Adrienne. "Teaching Methods for Autistic Children." LoveToKnow Autism. LoveToKnow Corp., 2006. Web. 1 Oct 2012.