What is Autism?
Autism is a developmental difference with characteristics that appear within the first three years of life. Its formal diagnostic name is autism spectrum disorder. The word “spectrum” indicates that autism appears in different forms with varying levels of difference. That means each individual with autism experiences their own unique strengths, characteristics, and challenges (Autism Research Institute).
No one person with autism is like the other, and autism can have varying effects. The DSM categorizes autism by levels.
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- Level 1: Requiring support
- Level 2: Requiring substantial support
- Level 3 Requiring very substantial support
It should be expected and understood that those who are not neurotypical will learn and experience the world differently. It is important to learn how to best teach and support these learners.
Common areas of challenge include social, play, communication, self-help, and behavior skills. What can we do to better support these areas of difference?
- Use clear and concise language: Get your point across in as few words as possible. Give fewer choices if needed and reword your questions if you do not receive a response.
- Provide a structured environment: Set a daily routine and include visual schedules to help learners anticipate and understand the activities for the day.
- Encourage special interests: Build lessons or activities around your learners’ interests. This can enhance focus and provide opportunities for meaningful learning.
- Recognize sensory needs: Be aware of any sensory triggers and provide supports, such as fidgets, quiet spaces, or noise-canceling headphones to help regulate learners’ sensory experiences.
- Use positive reinforcement: Emphasize the strengths and abilities of each learner. Celebrate their achievements and help promote a sense of belonging. Positive reinforcements can include verbal praise, points, tokens 0r stickers, high-fives, or thumbs-up.
Supporting our learners with autism requires empathy, understanding, and individualized approaches. When we create inclusive and accommodating learning environments, we allow learners with autism to thrive.