Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are lifelong developmental disabilities characterised by marked difficulties in social interaction, impaired communication, restricted and repetitive interests and behaviours, and sensory sensitivities. The word “spectrum” is used because the range and severity of the difficulties people with an ASD experience can vary widely. ASDs include Autistic disorder, Aspergers disorder and pervasive developmental disorder, which is also known as atypical autism.
Sam is in your class and has been diagnosed with Aspergers. we can make suggestions and generalisations but a child with an ASD is far from a textbook case. It helps to have an understanding of the disorder. Below are some interesting facts that may help your perspective of ASD.
Firstly have a look at this site and find out 10 Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew. This is written from the perspective of a loving mother, Ellen Notbohm.
Sam is in your class and has been diagnosed with Aspergers. we can make suggestions and generalisations but a child with an ASD is far from a textbook case. It helps to have an understanding of the disorder. Below are some interesting facts that may help your perspective of ASD.
Firstly have a look at this site and find out 10 Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew. This is written from the perspective of a loving mother, Ellen Notbohm.
Pyramid of Learning
This pyramid depicts the skills that a person must master before they can move up the pyramid. You can see that at the bottom of the pyramid is our sensory systems - something that comes so naturally to all of us without ASD. Students with ASD may be focusing on 'balancing in their chair' and thus seem distracted from their work. You can see that academic learning is at the very top of the pyramid. In light of this you need to ensure that you have met all of Sam's needs that may be lower on the pyramid before expecting him to participate in academic learning. The components of this pyramid affect different children in different ways, some much more than others.
Asperger's Syndrome
It is debated whether or not Aspergers should be a separate disorder, or if it should remain on the Autism Spectrum. Children with Aspergers have the same social difficulties, communication impairments and restrictive interests, however are positioned at the higher functioning end of the spectrum. Professor Tony Attwood has written a fantastic fact sheet that provides a succinct overview of Aspergers and includes resources and tips for your use in the classroom.
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Resources and Strategies
There is an abundance of strategies and ideas that are regularly used by teachers to facilitate children on the Autism Spectrum. Some include: visual cues, daily schedule on display, consistent routines, plenty of notice and preparation for change and utilising specific interests of the child. We have chosen some fact sheets and articles that will give you practical and relatively easy to implement teaching strategies. Take some time to explore these and choose strategies that might help Sam (or other students in your class).
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