Autism Into The Classroom Essay
As the prevalence of autism continues to rise, we as educators need to be knowledgeable about what strategies can be used to promote appropriate behavior in both ASD students and general education students. Many strategies that are suggested for use with students with autism can be beneficial for all students.
One strategy that can be implemented in any classroom, at any grade level, is structure. Having a sense of structure helps those students who need routine. Having a set routine helps all students know what they should be doing. Implementing a classroom structure does not have to equal a rigid routine, however. By dividing class time into increments helps. For example, in a 45-minute class, there can be divided times: 5 minutes for warm-up, 20 minutes for instruction, 10 minutes for groups or small groups, and 10 minutes for individual work. The type of instruction or activity does not have to be the same every day, but knowing what is to be expected is beneficial. Having a schedule clearly posted can minimize interruption, no one should have to ask when group work will be. If the schedule has a visual label to it, that can help those with autism even more (Greene). Having a …show more content…
Many who have been diagnosed with ASD enjoy heavy sensory activities. By integrating hands-on learning into the classroom, all students can learn more effectively. In social studies, a class-wide hands-on activity can include recreating battle scenes with action figures, or building models of castles or relevant buildings. It is also important to be aware of those students who can easily feel overstimulated. By providing times for brain breaks or cooldowns, students are given an opportunity to relax and reconfigure. Being able to control the lighting in your classroom can help those who are sensitive to bright lights: turn off half the lights, utilize lamps,
One strategy that can be implemented in any classroom, at any grade level, is structure. Having a sense of structure helps those students who need routine. Having a set routine helps all students know what they should be doing. Implementing a classroom structure does not have to equal a rigid routine, however. By dividing class time into increments helps. For example, in a 45-minute class, there can be divided times: 5 minutes for warm-up, 20 minutes for instruction, 10 minutes for groups or small groups, and 10 minutes for individual work. The type of instruction or activity does not have to be the same every day, but knowing what is to be expected is beneficial. Having a schedule clearly posted can minimize interruption, no one should have to ask when group work will be. If the schedule has a visual label to it, that can help those with autism even more (Greene). Having a …show more content…
Many who have been diagnosed with ASD enjoy heavy sensory activities. By integrating hands-on learning into the classroom, all students can learn more effectively. In social studies, a class-wide hands-on activity can include recreating battle scenes with action figures, or building models of castles or relevant buildings. It is also important to be aware of those students who can easily feel overstimulated. By providing times for brain breaks or cooldowns, students are given an opportunity to relax and reconfigure. Being able to control the lighting in your classroom can help those who are sensitive to bright lights: turn off half the lights, utilize lamps,