Hello all, Over the past few years, there has been an increase in the number of children that are enter school who have Autism. One of the things that I have learned about dealing with students with autism, is that the structure of the class is vitally important. I recently discovered a website entitled Autism 4 teachers.
http://autism4teachers.com/autism4teachers_017.htm. this site provided valuable information on why structure is important. According to the site, children with autism respond well to structure. it provides them with a safe and predictable environment that increases their understanding and ability to succeed. This site provided vital information on how children with autism need to have their own individual space. There are a variety of pictures that show examples on how to set up the classroom and provide students with their own space. The site offers information about the need for visuals and the importance of labels throughout the classroom. I really think this site will be helpful for new and seasoned teachers who need ideas on how to properly include children with autism into their classroom.
Delia
Right now while I am working on obtaining my degree I work individually with a student in Kindergarten with Autism. I help him move through his day and help to teach him skills to manage his emotions and behaviors. He really needs structure and a routine. The teacher he is with this year does an excellent job of setting up a schedule each day for him and attempting to follow it. She is very understanding of his diagnosis and is willing to do what is necessary to help him be successful. It is great that there is a sight with recommendations for students with Autism. I think teacher should be required to have trainings on interacting with students with Autism because we are seeing more and more children with Autism mainstreamed into regular classrooms. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI have worked with many students with Autism and they have been in grammar school to high school, I am currently working as an aide in my old high school I attending. Yes, it is very true for the students with this disability to have stability in the classroom as much as possible. For the younger students posting a chart that provides pictures with Velcro on the back allows for the students to put their schedules in order when they first come into class and the Velcro is easy for them to pull of the picture cards on their schedules, and this tool is great for the teachers also, because when they need to change the schedule they can move the cards around and then have the student to up to the schedule to see that it was changed and ask what was different about the schedule. You have to prepare them in advance about a schedule change. Having center time what I have knowing working in the classrooms is to have the centers area set up in cubical so they have their own space and they can concentrate in a quiet area and work with their aide or the teacher. This year the first quarter the student I worked with was a freshman in high school, the student does not have me anymore because he had done so good with me that he didn't need my services anymore, but before spring break I did see him a few times and he was stressing out (his face was all red, and he was scratching his head), it can be a challenge for him to be in a regular setting because the schedule and the environment changes day to day and sometimes it is hard for him, but he needs to learn how to work through it (I still check on him from time to time), but it is hard at times because you would think he needs to be in an inclusion classroom, but he is too advanced for the class.
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