How can you teach a kid with mild Autism?

Question

I got a job teaching a kid with Autism and im having a realy hard time .

Answer 1

Do a multisensory approach.  If he is learning numbers use playdoh to roll them out, write it in sand Anything that can be done 3-D is better than book and paper.  For word families we use the plastic easter eggs and put the family on one side like "at" and on the other all the letters that make words with at, ex. h,m,f,r,b and so on and then my son (mildly autistic) lines up the letters and reads the word.  Do lots of repetition, take breaks and do lots of physical activity.  For science do experiments and show him.  You can do a microscope, magnifying glass, color wheel, understanding volume by placing the same amount of water in different sized containers.  For math use manipulatives for counting.  Work on patterns, have him be able to create an ab pattern and extend it.  Use colored blocks, string patterns ect.  Telling time use a clock and have him manipulate the hands start with only o'clock first

I am assuming this is a child under the age of 7 but you didn't say

Answer 2

find out the kid's learning style and go from there

Answer 3

Music has been proven to help kids with autism learn. Maybe build some of your lessons around music.....

Answer 4

Chidren with autism display a wide range of problems.  You need to know what the particular problems of the child are and then work out a programme of action to deal with them.

Some children with autism are 'sensory seeking missiles' and very disruptive, whilst others are very oversensitive to sensory stimuli and must be approached very slowly and carefully, the teacher never encroaching too close to cause the child discomfort.

Read this. http://www.snowdrop.cc/info2.cfm?info_id...

There is a book on that website, which describes these problems in detail and how to work around them.

hope this helps

Answer 5

Try using a slow, relaxed speaking style. Allow plenty of time for the student to answer your questions and incorporate as many visuals as possible. Children with autism often have difficulty incorporating sensory information as quickly as typically developing children can. Also, find out the child's interests and use them as often as you can to tie into the subject matter you are teaching.

Answer 6

How can you teach any child?

As with any child, first you need to understand who they are, what are their strengths, weaknesses, likes and dislikes?

I believe in the theory of Multiple Intelligences and believe any child may benefit from this approach.

Are you having a difficult time in all areas, or only in one or two? You may want to look at what engages him in the areas he is successful. Is the child a visual learner? Are you teaching math by using flash cards or are you teaching math by incorporating it with hands on tasks?

I apologize for all the questions but I believe your answer may lie in these questions.

There are many things that may come into play, including the child's ability to focus. Do you allow frequent breaks? Do you allow movement breaks?

Another thing to take into consideration is your placement while teaching.  My child has a great deal of issues with anxiety, a productive placement for teaching purposes for my child would not be sitting directly across from him. He has a difficult time with direct eye contact, often when I really want him to focus on what I might be saying I may talk to him with my back to him.

With my son, the one thing I do know is that I can't expect him to on demand demonstrate that he's learned what I've taught but I know he's learning because over time I've seen growth and I see him applying the skills he's been taught in everyday situations. Don't confuse the fact that the child is not grasping concepts quickly to mean that they aren't learning, understand that it may take them longer.

Don't forget that every child is different

Answer 7

take it day by day Lol do more hands on verses Book work and also depends on the child's age and needs.The best advice i can give is copy how charterer schools work there curriculum with more using there eyes touch there sense's to start. follow the child  let the child guide you at first . start of with more what the child can do and build on what the child can not do. a big bonus is to stick to charts and scheduled this is important. also there is a book that helps parents and teachers  but there are tips you could pick up on its called.

1001 Great Ideas for Teaching or Raising Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

http://www.amazon.ca/Teaching-Raising-Ch...

also

Ten Things Autistic Children and Students Wish You Knew

http://autism.about.com/od/booksaboutaut...

Good Luck and thank you for taking the time to CARE.