Environment is Important
All children with autism do learn especially when thoughtful consideration is paid to three components- environment, pace and methodology. The number one priority in teaching a child with autism is to create a calm, safe environment that supports their unique learning potential. People typically question, stereotype and underestimate children with autism . My hope is to raise awareness by sharing our journey as a community of unique learners in a safe classroom setting.
Routines
Routine creates a structure and a pattern we stick to. It creates the sameness these children often need. This creates a predictability and reduces overstimulation/anxiety which is critical to the social & emotional stability for someone with ASD. Frequent meltdowns or increased anxiety can impact learning in a negative way. Routines reduce stress, increases expectations and affords the child with a clear understanding of what their day will entail. Routines are as simple as ways we line up, get materials to ways I teach or sequence an activity. The pace ( blocks of times), method of instruction is steady and consistent. For example transitions are built into the routines and time & a pattern is provided. The beauty of routines is that it also allows for variation within the structure.
The key point is none of this has anything to do with intelligence or the ability to reach their potential and everything to do with their pace of processing, need for sameness and sensory overload.
Routine creates a structure and a pattern we stick to. It creates the sameness these children often need. This creates a predictability and reduces overstimulation/anxiety which is critical to the social & emotional stability for someone with ASD. Frequent meltdowns or increased anxiety can impact learning in a negative way. Routines reduce stress, increases expectations and affords the child with a clear understanding of what their day will entail. Routines are as simple as ways we line up, get materials to ways I teach or sequence an activity. The pace ( blocks of times), method of instruction is steady and consistent. For example transitions are built into the routines and time & a pattern is provided. The beauty of routines is that it also allows for variation within the structure.
The key point is none of this has anything to do with intelligence or the ability to reach their potential and everything to do with their pace of processing, need for sameness and sensory overload.
Behavior /Sensory
Children with ASD often function at medium to medium-high anxiety levels. I often use a bottle of carbonated drink as an analogy. Their nervous system is always on alert
( carbonated) . That is tiring! Small things can easily push them over the edge into greater states of anxiety. Being unable to regulate their emotions and benefit from a calm nervous system leads to high anxiety, increased outbursts and disruptive behaviors that negatively impact their learning and the learning of others. We employ a variety of strategies and methods to help the child succeed in class.
Small class size with small differentiated academic group instruction
reduces frustration, anxiety, waiting which decreases behaviors and increases learning & confidence.
Children with ASD often function at medium to medium-high anxiety levels. I often use a bottle of carbonated drink as an analogy. Their nervous system is always on alert
( carbonated) . That is tiring! Small things can easily push them over the edge into greater states of anxiety. Being unable to regulate their emotions and benefit from a calm nervous system leads to high anxiety, increased outbursts and disruptive behaviors that negatively impact their learning and the learning of others. We employ a variety of strategies and methods to help the child succeed in class.
Small class size with small differentiated academic group instruction
reduces frustration, anxiety, waiting which decreases behaviors and increases learning & confidence.
Positive Behavior Systems
5 simple rules…
Positive Incentives are Fun!
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Children fill out their own page daily at the end of each day with data collected by Class Dojo. Beads = loot for the store too!
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Physical Environment
Alternative Seating
( hoping to get a few standing desks!)
Hokki Chairs , Therapy Balls , Peddle while you sit & more
Sensory Support
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Daily Visuals "Show Me"
A visual is worth a thousand words
Visuals are used all day long to support understanding and learning .
(Oral directions are often written & projected in simple steps as well.)
(Oral directions are often written & projected in simple steps as well.)