Helping Children with Autism Thrive in the Classroom
http://www.Printnpost.net/articles/9501/1/Helping-Children-with-Autism-Thrive-in-the-Classroom/Page1.html
Erika G.
I am a national board certified teacher and a freelance greeting card writer. I love writing and sharing ideas. By Erika G.
Published on 11/6/2008
This article provides a teacher's perspective on helping Autistic children in the classroom.
Helping Children with Autism Thrive in the Classroom
I am in no way, shape, or form an expert on Autism. In this article, I will simply share strategies that I have successfully implemented in my classroom to help students who are on the Autistic Spectrum. A child with Autism typically struggles with communication, socialization and building relationships. It is essential, as a teacher, to provide classroom experiences that allow a child to get his feel wet with socialization without feeling as though he is drowning.
Form a Support Team
This step is essential in helping a child with Autism. It is important, from the beginning, to meet regularly with the student's parents. Parents are key in gathering information about the child. From strengths to weaknesses, likes to dislikes, loves to fears, it is important to get to know as much as you can about an Autistic child. The more you know, the more you will be able to help the child. Involve as many people as you can in the meetings about the child. There are so many wonderful resources within a school. The nurse, speech pathologist, Special School District staff, principal, and former teachers can all provide information that will aid and benefit the child.
Visual Cues
No matter what age, some students benefit from visual aids. In my experience, the use of visual aid significantly helps the learning of Autistic children. Because of the difficulty some students face in getting his/her words out, by providing visual aids, you are allowing a child who struggles with socialization to
Form a Support Team
This step is essential in helping a child with Autism. It is important, from the beginning, to meet regularly with the student's parents. Parents are key in gathering information about the child. From strengths to weaknesses, likes to dislikes, loves to fears, it is important to get to know as much as you can about an Autistic child. The more you know, the more you will be able to help the child. Involve as many people as you can in the meetings about the child. There are so many wonderful resources within a school. The nurse, speech pathologist, Special School District staff, principal, and former teachers can all provide information that will aid and benefit the child.
Visual Cues
No matter what age, some students benefit from visual aids. In my experience, the use of visual aid significantly helps the learning of Autistic children. Because of the difficulty some students face in getting his/her words out, by providing visual aids, you are allowing a child who struggles with socialization to