Academic supports are never one-size-fits all. Teachers can best support autistic students when they have a range of strategies to choose from. As a general principle, interventions that provide predictability, support, and empowerment, while also reducing anxiety and building on strengths, are effective. When applied in the classroom, such interventions enable autistic students to best demonstrate what they know. These eight strategies put this principle into practice. For teachers who will be working with autistic students this fall, read on to learn more about these approaches and find a handy infographic to use as a guide! Show 1. Priming2. Making accommodations and modificationsMany autistic students require assignment accommodations and modifications in order to be successful at school. Modifying assignments can be accomplished easily without drawing undue attention to the student. The particular modifications may differ based on individual students’ strengths and needs, but some examples of modifications include:
Modifications and accommodations like these do not excuse the autistic student from completing their work or diminish the academic rigor. Rather, they are designed to give the student access to the content and/or skill at the center of the assignments. 3. Visual supports
4. Home base
5. Handwriting modificationsFine motor skills, such as handwriting, are a challenge for many autistic people. Teachers must take this into consideration and make appropriate accommodations for autistic students. Examples of accommodations include:
6. Choice-makingChoice-making is a strategy in which small choices and decisions are embedded into daily routines and activities. This strategy allows autistic students to have some control over events in their life. While this is important for everyone, it can be particularly beneficial for autistic students because it provides predictability and agency. Many opportunities are available throughout the day to give autistic students choices. Choice-making does not mean that a student gets to decide if they want to complete an assignment. Rather, it gives student control over other aspects of the learning process. For example, the student could choose what color pen or pencil to use when completing the assignment. However, when providing choices, it is important to keep the individual student in mind. Sometimes, students who usually have the ability to make choices cannot do so under stressful situations or if the choices are not appealing to them. In these cases, offering choices could inadvertently increase stress instead of benefiting the student. 7. Incorporation of special interests8. Homework considerationsHomework may present major concerns to autistic students. For example:
As a result, homework should be considered on an individual basis for each student, and any decision should incorporate the student, school team and additional service providers, and parents. Teachers can consider whether homework should be assigned, completed during a designated time during the school day, waived, and/or modified. Teachers should also consider how they can make assignments more accessible for the autistic student. These strategies are adapted from An Educator’s Guide to ASD (Level 1 Supports). This guide and other guides for educators may be downloaded for free from our Resources page. Educators may also order up to two physical copies of each guidebook for free from our Store. How can you modify behavior of autism?10 Easy-to-Implement Behavior Strategies for Children with Autism. Teach time management.. Set realistic expectations.. Reinforce positive behaviors.. Give choices for non-preferred activities.. Use visuals and social stories.. Teach coping skills and calming strategies.. Practice transitions.. Be consistent each day.. What are the five areas of challenges in autism basic?Common Challenges. social phobia.. excessive worry/rumination.. obsessive compulsive behaviour.. hyper-vigilance, or seeming “shell shocked”. phobias.. avoidance behaviours.. rigid routines and resistance to change.. stimming and/or self-injurious behaviour.. What are some coping strategies for autism?Examples of coping strategies for autistic people. music.. going for a walk.. exercise.. deep breathing.. engage in a pleasant and relaxing activity.. sensory and fidget toys.. prayer/meditation.. practice mindfulness.. How do students with autism learn best?Use visuals.
Even individuals with autism who can read benefit from visuals. Visuals can serve as reminders about classroom rules, where certain things go, and resources that are available to students. Using pictures and modeling will mean more to students with autism than a lengthy explanation.
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