autism in the classroom
When
having kids in the classroom with autism there are many things that a teacher
or one can do to help develop the behavior.
Social Stories: Children with autism who can read may be taught how to cope with different situations using the technique of Social Stories. Stories are written for the individual child, explaining in words and pictures, step by step, what will happen in situations where they may feel anxious and how they should cope with situations they find difficult. For instance, a Social Story might be used to explain what a child should do on a bus journey or when they hear a fire alarm.
The Picture Communication Exchange System (PECS): PECS is a commonly used approach to teach children who have limited language. Teachers use pictures as symbols to teach children the names of different objects. Gradually the child is taught to exchange a picture for the object he or she wants, to construct simple sentences using the pictures, and indicate choices between various objects Vicker, (2002).
Visual Aids: Many children with autism find it easier to understand the world about them through visual aids. Teachers may use a visual timetable showing times and simple drawings of the activities, so that the pupil knows exactly what they will be doing and when. Many schools use computer software packages to write out stories, descriptions and instructions in both words and symbols simultaneously. Other visual supports include written lists, objects and calendars to help children understand sequence and predict what is happening.
Comic Strip Conversations: Comic Strip Conversations assist children with autism to develop greater social understanding, by providing visual representations of the different levels of communication that take place in a conversation, using symbols, stick figure drawings and color. By seeing the different elements of a conversation visually presented, some of the abstract aspects of social communication (e.g. recognizing the feelings and intentions of others) are made more concrete and are therefore easier for the child to understand.
Social skills: Some children with autism respond well to drama and role play activities to help them learn social skills such as greetings, turn taking in conversation and watching for cues in social skills groups.
Circle of Friends: encourages the development of a support network for a child in a structured setting, which can also extend to outside of this setting. It is not an approach to provide instant friendship, but over the course of meetings and evaluation of set targets, it is hoped that the child will be able to build closer and better relationships with other children. Six to eight children are recruited as volunteers to form the Circle of Friends. Through a series of meeting they help the focus child to express his or her feelings and decrease anxiety levels. This can lead to improved social integration and higher levels of peer contact.