How to Create Autism-Friendly Learning Experiences

By raluca.olariu@…, 29 September, 2022
red apple on a pile of books

The learning needs of all children are unique.

For children with autism spectrum disorder, learning experiences require a bit of extra support and advice.

This article is written for people who want to understand better the learning needs of children with autism and how to help them in this process.

Get started by following these nine tips:

1. Build a routine. Autistic children thrive in structured environments where they know what to expect. They need a highly defined routine with minimal deviations from their predicted schedule. That’s why you should ensure that your child’s or student’s learning environment is structured in a straightforward way that carefully plans each lesson and activity.

2. Teach children with autism using visual aids. Photographs, line drawings, cards, wood block numbers, or stickers can help autistic children when incorporated into daily activities. Other visual tools that can support children with autism to absorb information much easier are online tutorials and videos.

3. Use communication techniques. Parents and educators can make communication easier by using various strategies like sign language (for autistic children with low speech skills) or facilitated communication. This technique consists of holding the student's hand and encouraging them to press the suitable key on mobile communication devices.

4. Foster social interactions. In order for children with autism to develop strong learning skills, it’s important to encourage them to interact with their peers. Classrooms provide the right setting for practicing communication skills by interacting with colleagues. One exercise could involve emotion cards to help children recognize and interpret facial expressions.

Have a look at these ultimate robots that help children with autism develop social skills.

5. Don’t use abstract language. Kids with autism may not understand figurative language, non-verbal cues, or facial expressions and gestures. As a teacher, you need to practice being as direct as possible and communicating concisely.

Autistic children thrive in structured environments where they know what to expect.

6. Structure the student’s activities. Children with autism can learn more quickly and efficiently when they are provided with structure. Use visual aids to create lesson plans and daily schedules and provide the student with clear information about each activity. Also, using a timer to tell them exactly how much time the activity will take can be helpful. This Liquid Motion Bubbler Sensory Timer is the right sensory soothing timing experience.

7. Be attentive to sensory overload. One of the most common symptoms of autism is sensory overload. Difficulties in processing sensory information like smells, certain lighting, or specific sounds can lead to sensory overload and meltdowns. It’s essential to be aware of potential triggers in the classroom and reduce them. Also, teachers should provide autistic children with sensory tools that can help them cope better with stress and process the information given to them.

For children who have trouble staying focused and calm in the classroom, this weighted lap blanket is the perfect portable sensory tool.

8. Have patience. Children with autism may not respond right away, even if you communicate using direct language. Educators should be extra patient and give students with ASD time to process information at their own pace. Trying to hurry or pressure them will only slow down their learning process and put extra, unnecessary stress on their nervous system.

9. Build a positive learning environment. Speaking of stress, try to eliminate all potential stressors that could cause students with autism to feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Any disruption to their routine can get them off track, so try to use transition warnings, visual schedules, and clear instructions to create a predictable learning environment. Always keep in mind that positive reinforcement is much more effective than threats which are highly prone to causing anxiety and behavioral issues.

Difficulties in processing sensory information like smells, certain lighting, or specific sounds can lead to sensory overload and meltdowns.

These nine tips for teaching a child with autism might help you build an autism-friendly learning environment that encourages healthy development and safe social connections. However, if you need more guidance on the matter, don’t hesitate to consult a doctor or therapist, research new techniques and tech tools, and see what fits best.

Photo credit: Unsplash.