Autism is a developmental disorder that is usually recognized in a child by the time he is 2 years old. A child with autism may appear normal physically but will have varying levels of social, communication and learning disabilities. Autism is also known as ASD or autism spectrum disorder because of the diverseness of the condition. Some people with autism are gifted intellectually, while others are not.
Personality Traits and Learning Needs
These characteristics, in varying levels, are usually recognizable in a child with autism:
Social skills and relationships are almost always underdeveloped.
Difficulty communicating. Speech is sometimes delayed and expressing needs through words may be difficult. Unless a child is taught proper ways of communicating his needs, he may often turn to violent or socially unacceptable methods of getting what he needs.
A strong interest in a certain area and resistance to changing focus.
Difficulty dealing with stress. Sometimes noise and environment can be upsetting. A person with autism may become violent or use unacceptable social behavior to convey needs in a stressful situation.
The physical environment should be calm and predictable for teaching a person with autism. Avoid sudden, excessive noise and distractions. For example, if the school your child attends is having a fire drill, the office should notify the teacher in advance so that your child can be prepared for the noise and be taught what to expect.
Learning Techniques
Learning techniques for people with autism usually include structuring their day. This structured routine will become recognizable to them and they will be able to make the transition from one task to the next more easily. Daily schedule posters with pictures of what will be occurring next are helpful for getting an autistic child prepared for change during the day.
Establish clear rules and routines to be followed daily. Set boundaries and provide children with a safe space, such as a time-out room, to be alone when needed. Positive rewards for good behavior should be visible on a chart. For example, when a child completes three tasks on the chart, she can choose a reward.
Teaching Strategies
Help a child with autism foster social interaction skills with peers his own age by giving opportunities to play in small groups. Adult supervision is necessary to help show the correct behavior or stop incorrect behavior immediately. Set up situations or games where the child with autism can imitate the actions of another child. Make sure the child being imitated has good behavior and social skills.
Repetition is important in teaching a child with autism. It may take teaching the same concept over and over in different ways to get the idea across.
Since a person with autism is not usually interested in interacting socially, it needs to be a learned response. Teach him to make eye contact by holding his chin and making him look into others' eyes. Teaching proper social skills of what is acceptable behavior will help him fit in socially. Communication between a caregiver/teacher and parents is crucial in teaching social skills.
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