How does autism affect learning?

It’s a golden question that many parents wanted to be answered, especially when their children are young and just entered the school system.

Some of the areas that I see challenges:

receptive and expressive communication, pragmatics, fine motor, gross motor skills, attention, reading, math, writing, daily living skills, leisure, social skills, play skills, behavior…..

Autism affects a child’s learning to various degrees. What does this mean? It means that parents and educators have to notice and learn the learning style of individuals, and are well equipped with the list of evidence-based practices in the field to approach teaching these learners.

Are Students with Autism all Visual Learners?

Many research and articles noted that many students with autism are visual learners. I can say, “mostly yes” from my experience. However, we always have to look at each learner’s learning style individually. They are unique learners. Usually paring up with visual cues for the learning experience help them engage better and produce a better outcome. Some children are strong visual learners, and others respond better to verbal cues.

How to teach kids with autism

Many researchers and professionals indicated that early intervention will support a better outcome in teaching students with autism. Some of the evidence-based practices that professionals utilize in their practices are followed:

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)

Floortime

Occupational Therapy (OT)

Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT)

Relationship Development Intervention (RDI)

Speech Therapy

TEACCH

Verbal Behavior

Reading comprehension

Teaching reading comprehension to students with autism has been one of many challenges for special educators. There is no “one size fits all” method in teaching reading. Especially when it comes to reading comprehension, we should consider each student’s uniqueness in behavior, language, and other skill levels.