Tips for Teaching Students with Autism
Students with autism are unique learners who think and process information a bit differently than neurotypical learners do. Like most students, they thrive when they have teachers who understand this and meet them where they are at in their learning processes. We hope the information and links below help you! If you have any additional questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Ms. Rabbitt.
Students with autism:
1) Are more visual, "hands on" learners: They learn best through pictures and activities that encourage engagement. They may have a hard time sitting and are not able to process information easily through lecture format (teacher standing and presenting a lesson in front of the class). They enjoy and need movement and engagement in order to learn.
2) Do well with routine: They like to know the classroom lesson and activities for the day ahead of time. For example, when they enter your room, if you review your class agenda for the day, this helps students with autism more comfortably anticipate and adapt to the day's activities.
3) May have a difficult time with unfamiliar transitions: Students with autism like routine (as mentioned above), so it is best to speak with them first before suddenly changing up the day's routine. For example, practicing for a fire drill is a very important skill before the fire drill takes place.
4) May have a difficult time verbally expressing their wants/needs: Students with autism communicate differently than neurotypical learners do. Because of this, allow your student to communicate with you in the way he/she is best comfortable. Allow them to communicate with you in the modality that best suits them. For example, a student with autism may feel more comfortable answering a teacher's verbal questions in a notepad, through writing or pictures.
5) Want to be a part of a community like everyone else! Students with autism want to feel like they belong, as every student does. Encourage them to be a part of your classroom community by building relationships with others, and you will see them thrive.
Students with autism:
1) Are more visual, "hands on" learners: They learn best through pictures and activities that encourage engagement. They may have a hard time sitting and are not able to process information easily through lecture format (teacher standing and presenting a lesson in front of the class). They enjoy and need movement and engagement in order to learn.
2) Do well with routine: They like to know the classroom lesson and activities for the day ahead of time. For example, when they enter your room, if you review your class agenda for the day, this helps students with autism more comfortably anticipate and adapt to the day's activities.
3) May have a difficult time with unfamiliar transitions: Students with autism like routine (as mentioned above), so it is best to speak with them first before suddenly changing up the day's routine. For example, practicing for a fire drill is a very important skill before the fire drill takes place.
4) May have a difficult time verbally expressing their wants/needs: Students with autism communicate differently than neurotypical learners do. Because of this, allow your student to communicate with you in the way he/she is best comfortable. Allow them to communicate with you in the modality that best suits them. For example, a student with autism may feel more comfortable answering a teacher's verbal questions in a notepad, through writing or pictures.
5) Want to be a part of a community like everyone else! Students with autism want to feel like they belong, as every student does. Encourage them to be a part of your classroom community by building relationships with others, and you will see them thrive.