Teaching Methods for Autistic Children

What is Autism?

Autism affects approximately 1 in 500 children in the United States, and this disorder continues to mystify researchers, scientists and doctors. With more children receiving the diagnosis of autism today than ever before, the race is on to find a means of prevention, treatment, and even a cure. Kids who suffer from autism often experience language and social disorders, and typically boys make up approximately 80 percent of those diagnosed with autism.

While autism has been linked to environmental causes, genetic mutations, child immunizations, and chemical imbalances, the truth is that a definitive cause simply hasn't been found. Parents often find themselves experiencing periods of self-blame simply because the biggest issue that surrounds autism is the unknown. Parents and teachers often find themselves feeling frustrated as they attempt to reach out to their autistic children. However, there are many teaching methods for autistic children.

Available Resources

Schools are invaluable resources for autistic children and their parents. If your child has been diagnosed with autism, you'll want to read as much information and talk to as many experts as possible. Because autism is becoming such a common issue (many believe it is becoming an epidemic), educators are receiving specialized training for teaching and handling autistic children. Special education teachers are taught how to help these children focus on their interests and develop their personal skills. Because many children who are diagnosed within the autism spectrum show extraordinary abilities in music, art, and other core subject areas, teachers are taught to tap into these talents.

While there are also special, private schools available for children with special needs, parents who cannot afford the tuition that these school may charge can take heart. Public schools have made great strides in reaching out and meeting the needs of these special children. Because many states have now adopted inclusion, in which special needs children are being taught in a regular classroom, regular education teachers are also receiving more training as well.

Alternative Treatments

Some parents and educators of autistic children continuously search for alternative treatments. For some, the word alternative refers to incorporating special diets. For others, the term involves facilitated communication. While some parents turn to traditional medications that have been prescribed by a pediatrician, others look for help through herbs and more organic treatments. Before you begin trying to treat your child, however, you should discuss treatment options and changes with your child's doctor.

Teaching Methods for Autistic Children

Autistic children appear to be wired differently than other children. While they can be extremely intelligent--many scoring off the charts when tested—adults are often at a loss as to the correct teaching methods for autistic children. There certainly isn't a solution that teaching methods for autistic children will work for every child, so the key is to find what works for your child and use that to tap into his intelligence and his desire for learning. The following tips might work for your child:

• Visual and Tactile Learning-Many autistic children are visual learners. They need to literally see and feel what they are learning, so images, pictures, and hands-on manipulatives are very important to this child's learning environment.
• Definitive Instruction-Autistic children typically thrive on routine. In fact, they may experience significant difficulty if their schedule is changed or disrupted. Be sure teachers and others who work with your child understand his schedule and seek to follow it.
• Allow Choices-Some autistic children rebel against rigid authoritative instruction, but they respond quite well when given specific choices.
• Support Groups-Some of your best resources will come from other parents who also have autistic children. Nobody can empathize with you better than a parent that is going through the same scenario. Don't be afraid to join support groups and exchange ideas with others.
• Disability Rights-Know your child's rights in regards to his education. Find out as much information as possible, and explore any federal help that might be available.
• Get Help-Your child may qualify for all kinds of assistance, including speech therapy, counseling, etc. Ask your child's education teacher for suggestions on materials and programs that can be used with your child at home. Be an advocate for your child!
• Work Collaboratively-Finally, educating your autistic child is a collaborative effort between you and everyone who is involved in your child's daily activities. Be sure that everyone works together to enable your child to become a better functioning individual.

For more information, check out the following sources:

• Autism Resources

• National Autistic Society