Supporting Students with Autism in the Classroom: 5 Things for Teachers to Remember
How we address autism in the classroom is the subject of ongoing discussion and research. And while we could cite numerous studies and articles on the topic, the simple fact remains: there is no one right answer for how educators can best support their students on the spectrum. As the saying goes, “if you’ve met one autistic child, you’ve met one autistic child.” And with current research indicating that as many as 1 in 44 children have been identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by age 8, school administrators and teachers have to be prepared to aid students with these developmental differences.
Students with ASD may find classrooms and social interactions overstimulating or confusing, which can result in hyperactive behavior, anxiety, irritability, and other common symptoms. And while teachers do their best to stay compassionate and attentive to these students’ needs, they will naturally sometimes feel impatience and frustration. So how should teachers create a comfortable, nurturing environment for children with ASD?
How to Help Students with Autism in the Classroom
Teaching students with autism adds another dimension to the question of how we meet young learners’ needs in a group setting. Here are five things to keep in mind for maintaining a positive, productive classroom environment.
Get to Know Your Learner
When teaching students with autism, the fundamental thing to remember is to stay focused on their individual patterns and learning preferences. Take your cues from them. Of course, this is true of teaching all children. However, this consideration becomes especially critical when helping autistic students. You’ll need to learn to anticipate their reactions and prepare for any difficulties they may encounter. While this may sound like overly generalized and obvious advice, there are some specific ways that you can connect with your students and keep them engaged and included:
- Meet with the Family – If you have the opportunity to speak with the parents or guardians of the child, you may hear some valuable insights on how to improve classroom engagement. Additionally, you can ask if the child receives any treatment, such as ABA therapy, and if so, whether the care provider has offered any useful learning tips.
- List the Child’s Strengths – Yes, you may lose your temper with your student. The challenges in aiding ASD students along their developmental journey are real, but the importance of staying positive is paramount. Being mindful of your student’s strengths will help both of you. This is your chance to give your student a confidence boost and identify areas of interest where the two of you can connect for a more productive time in the classroom.
- Have a Behavior Strategy in Place – Autistic students in the classroom often experience sensory overload, which can cause them to act out or withdraw. Having a behavior plan in place will help you manage their reactions so they can thrive and feel secure while at school. These plans account for transitioning between tasks and rooms, reinforcing positive behaviors, and other considerations. And if a student works with a therapist, you can probably get a personalized plan to go by.
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Speak Literally & Give Clear Choices
Communication is often difficult for children with ASD. Some are averbal, and some have problems articulating their thoughts. This doesn’t mean that their brains aren’t busy processing the stimuli around them and retaining information. But you’ll likely struggle to get your message across through vocal intonations, idioms, or sarcasm the way you would with other students.
Always be clear and direct with what you mean and what you expect. And do your best to remain calm when addressing your autistic child. In the classroom, ASD students respond better to teachers who provide them with a sense of ease and instructions that leave no room for ambiguity.
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Stay Mindful of Your Classroom Environment
As a teacher, you’re already keenly aware of the importance of eliminating any risk of accidents and keeping an eye on the children during activities, assignments, and free time. For autistic children, though, classrooms can present other challenges.
Your walls may be busy with colorful, fun, and educational posters, artwork, infographics, and other items. However, ASD students may begin to feel overstimulated by an abundance of visual information—make sure your space encourages learning without being overwhelming.
Social interactions are another area where autistic children may struggle. They don’t necessarily pick up on non-verbal cues or implied messages. To make sure they feel included, monitor how the students are behaving with each other and intervene whenever necessary.
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Maintain Structure & Organization
Autistic students in the classroom flourish better in structured, routine environments. It’s important that they know what to expect and when. Some will be highly organized with their school supplies and learning materials. Others, though, will need help staying organized.
Whatever the case, a stable, structured routine and classroom organization will help your students have a more positive experience. Consistency and predictability are vital for the comfort of autistic children This is also why you may notice that some of these students engage in repetitive behaviors.
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Always Show the Love & Support that All Students Need
Even when you must demonstrate firmness or discipline a student, you need to emphasize that you care and are committed to that student’s success and well-being. Autism in the classroom can be stressful for educators, but the children need to be certain that they equally share in their teacher’s love and attention. This will help ASD students feel included so that they are better able to learn the school curriculum and grow their social skills.
For more information on how to help autistic students in the classroom, please see the following references:
https://www.readingrockets.org/article/supporting-students-autism-10-ideas-inclusive-classrooms
https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/five-ways-teachers-can-support-students-autism