Factors to consider when teaching a child with autism

Instructional formats or curriculum

There is no single and general effect of autism. Different children suffering from the same disorder happen to have different conditions. Each one requires a special instructional format or curriculum to be applied. Thus, the way of teaching is not based on autism itself but on the effects it has brought to the child.

However, there are general instructional formats or curricula that can be given to every autistic child. The difference is only in the approach of teaching.
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Communication concerns

The way instructions are given to children with autism should not be the same as with non-autistic students. Since autistic children have difficulties understanding things verbally and cannot communicate well verbally, instructions should be given in a different way. The classroom should be equipped with things that enable children to learn even without verbal instructions. Visual aids make it easier to communicate with special children. Instructions and rules outside the curriculum that they need to learn and understand should be given in the way the children understand best. The main point is to communicate properly and effectively.

Age

Autistic children with the same physical age may have a different mental age. Knowing the mental age of the child will provide an easier learning process for both the child and the teacher or parents.

For young autistic children, parents must apply an early intervention program that will enable the child to be guided correctly in terms of discipline, motor skills, and communication. This must be done as soon as you discover that your child is suffering from autism.

Meanwhile, instructions for elementary students may include manners of integrating with other people or making friends. In other words, autistic children should be trained to be sociable in this period of learning.

Autistic children in their high school years must learn how to integrate not only with other people but also with the whole community. How to work, live, participate and recreate with other people is very important to learn in this stage.

Behavioral factors

Autistic children need guidance on how to behave by themselves and with other people.

This is because they are especially passive or have developed destructive or excessive behaviors. In the past, the approach to change this behavior was often by punishment.

Today, the approach is by positive behavior support (PBS). This approach treats the children with dignity and respect that will not only improve their self-esteem but also improve their behavior dramatically without using punishment. Special children need affection and care. This approach caters to these needs.

Factors to consider when teaching a child with autism
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