Autism is a common condition that affects many children in the US. The CDC estimates that 1 in 68 children that are of school age are affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder. For students with autism, learning in a classroom environment can be challenging. Many autistic children have trouble with memorizing things, staying focused, communicating with others, and keeping track of time.
School can, at times, be frustrating for autistic children. However, attending school is also very important for a child’s development since it teaches them how to communicate and socialize with others, and also helps them learn important life skills. Therefore, it’s imperative that educators find ways to support children with autism in their classroom.
At our mental health clinic in Denver, we’ve seen many autism cases where children have made tremendous improvements due to an educator’s support! With the right help and support, autistic children can be very successful in school and enjoy their time spent in the classroom.
Tips for Supporting Autistic Children in Your Classroom
There are an abundance of ways that you can help students with autism in your classroom succeed and learn effectively. Here are some strategies you may want to try:
- Communicate with parents – No one understands a child’s needs better than their parents. That’s why one of the best ways to support a student with autism is to maintain close communication with a parent. Set aside time to sit down and talk with your student’s parents on a regular basis so that you can learn more about how they learn and respond to things.
- Follow a behavior plan – Having a behavior plan can help you discern the best ways to reinforce positive behaviors in your student. Additionally, a behavior plan can also help you know what to do when problematic behavior arises or your student becomes overwhelmed or frustrated.
- Understand how your student learns- Many children with autism are visual thinkers and learn best when visual aids are provided. Avoid relying on verbal teaching methods alone and find different ways to incorporate visuals and visually stimulating activities into your lessons.
Working with children with autism can be challenging at times. But remember, you don’t have to do it alone. There are many people you can rely on for support, including teacher aides, other educators, administrators, and your student’s parents. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help!
Get Advice from an Expert
Are you a parent or teacher that’s looking for ways to support a child with autism? We may be able to help. Call us today to learn more about the services related to autism that our Denver mental health clinic offers or schedule an appointment.