As the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis rises, an increasing number of students with ASD are being served in schools today. Each student on the spectrum is unique, with different strengths, challenges, and support needs. As an educator, it is critical to be equipped with effective teaching strategies tailored to engage, motivate, and support the success of students with ASD. Here, we will explore evidence-based techniques for instructing and assisting children on the spectrum in the classroom environment.
Understanding the Learning Profile of Students with ASD
Students with ASD often have differences in communication, social interactions, behavior, and sensory responses that impact how they process information and require educational support. Autism expert Stephen Shore captured the variability well: “If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism.” To teach them effectively, educators must understand common learning characteristics:
Literal Thinkers Students with ASD tend to interpret language very literally and have difficulty understanding figurative language, sarcasm, and subtle social cues. Instructions and lessons should be given clearly, concisely, and avoiding ambiguity.
Visual Learners Many students with ASD are visual learners and benefit from the use of visual aids like picture schedules, videos, charts and graphic organizers. Seeing information presented in multiple ways enhances their comprehension.
Detail-Focused
Students with ASD often excel at focusing on detail but can miss seeing the big picture or making connections. Making concepts as concrete as possible with real objects and examples aids learning.
Sensory Differences Some students with ASD are hypersensitive to sensory stimuli like noise and light which can be overstimulating. Allowing noise cancelling headphones, providing sensory breaks, or adapting the classroom setup can help.
Need for Routine Changes in routine or surprise transitions can be very difficult for those with ASD. Maintaining structure and warning students of schedule shifts ahead of time provides stability.
With these learning characteristics in mind, teachers can shape their instruction, classroom environment and supports appropriately.
Creating a Structured and Organized Classroom
Students with autism thrive when their learning environment provides visual structure, routine and order. Here are some strategies to build a well organized classroom:
- Display a consistent daily schedule using pictures and words so students know what activity comes next
- Label areas of the classroom with visual signage (reading corner, computer station etc.)
- Use organization systems like cubbies, trays and bins to sort materials
- Post visual rules and expectations with images and keep them consistent
- Have an individual workstation or quiet space for each student when needed
As autism advocate Temple Grandin says, “My mind is like a web browser with a thousand tabs open. Organizing minimizes the chaos.” An orderly classroom reduces anxiety for students with ASD.
Modifying Instruction for Different Learning Styles
Students with ASD differ widely in skills, strengths and support needs. Implementing a multi-modal instructional approach enhances learning:
- Provide clear verbal instructions along with visual aids
- Demonstrate skills with modeling and physical guidance when needed
- Incorporate hands-on activities and manipulatives for practice
- Use technology like tablets, laptops, and educational apps to engage visual and active learners
- Assign interactive group projects to build socialization opportunities
- Offer individual work time for those who need limited distractions
A individualized education program (IEP) can guide required instructional adaptations, but remaining flexible to utilize different formats benefits all learners. As Dr. Mel Levine, developmental pediatrician said, “Each child’s program must be tailored efficiently to tap into their unique mosaic of abilities.”
Using Special Interests to Motivate Students
Most students with ASD have passionate special interests they are deeply engaged in like vehicles, animals, media characters or science facts. Incorporating their preferred topics into lessons and activities increases motivation and learning:
- Allow students to write or present on favorites at appropriate times
- Create customized visual aids using their special interest
- Assign group roles based on interests to promote participation
- Provide positive reinforcement using items related to their interest
- Link math word problems, writing prompts or research projects to specific topics
Tapping into special interests satisfies students’ strong desire for knowledge about their favorite subject while keeping them focused and participating.
Providing Opportunities for Peer Interaction
Many students with ASD have difficulties initiating social interaction and benefit from structured opportunities to engage with classmates. Teachers can facilitate:
- Partner or small group assignments to build collaborative skills
- “Buddy systems” to foster friendships and peer modeling
- Social skills groups to practice conversational turn-taking
- Clubs or lunch bunches around common interests for connection
- Cooperative games with clear rules and roles to motivate interaction
With positive encouragement and support, targeted peer interaction opportunities help students with ASD make social and academic gains.
Implementing Positive Behavior Supports
Students with autism are prone to emotional regulation challenges, sensory overload and distress when expectations seem unclear. Establishing preventative positive behavior strategies minimizes disruptions:
- Make behavior expectations clear through visual rules and modeled examples
- Provide sensory tools like fidgets and headphones to aid self-regulation
- Give regular movement and sensory breaks to manage stimulation
- Notice and praise positive behaviors frequently
- Reward effort and progress with motivational systems
Applied behavior analyst Ron Leaf notes, “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear.” Positive reinforcement for any steps in the right direction motivates students with ASD.
There are myriad techniques teachers can implement to set students with autism spectrum disorder up for classroom achievement. Focusing on their unique needs while providing structure, multi-modal instruction, peer interaction and positive behavior supports foster both academic and social-emotional growth. With the right strategies in place, students with ASD can thrive. Though it requires effort, the breakthrough moments when concepts click for them make it all worthwhile.
