What should teachers know about children with autism?

Question

I am a student teacher and I would really like some information regarding children with autism and how I can support them in their educational development.

What would you say were the most important things that I should know?

Answer 1

your LEA should be training you. But first port of call is the schools SENCO. she will have the childs Final Statement or SA plus reports. She is legally bound to inform you of the SEN kids in your class. Gd luck.

Answer 2

Teachers should realise what a vast subject autism is. I do know in the UK they only get a few hours in university whilst doing their training on special needs and that does not even scratch the surface. You should know that every child with an ASD will be vastly different. Yes they all share the triad of impairments but the way these impairments manifest themselves is so different in each sufferer. Some children will appear on the surface to be quite sociable but if you watch them they are actually in their own world and do not have the same thought proccesses as the other mainstream children. Also try to involve the parents of the child as much as possible, do not doubt what they tell you about their child, they know they're own child better than any one else. You must work with the parents and not treat them as interfering outsiders, they are very often the ones who have the best coping strategies. Read as much as you can because you can never know everything there is to know about autism. As autistic children very often have obssesions or specialised interests you should use these to further the childs education, play to their strengths not weakness's. Praise always works well with these children, the more the better and don't be put off by bad days. Autistic children are very special and see the world from a different point of view they can be very infuriating and trying but then they can be super interesting and funny. They are wonderful to work and live with. All the best.

Answer 3

Go on the MENCAP website. That will give you some pointers.

I think Learning difficulties should be part of a students training in teacher training college.

Answer 4

The phrase "When you've met one child with autism, you've met one child with autism."  Meaning that the children are SOOO very different you really cannot characterize without saying the exact opposite is true.  Example: Individuals with autism rarely speak.  Yeah, right. Some speak with normal frequency and some speak constantly...even in their sleep.  

As a special education in a self-contained class and as a support individual in the regular classroom, I cannot stress how important it is to read the child's last evaluation and the most recent IEPs (try for the most recent 2).  Now I will admit that some IEPs are not worth the paper they are written on, but, hopefully, the at least one will be well-constructed.  Also talk with the child's teacher  and observe the child.   Most of them enjoy at least some type of interaction with others.  Do ask the current teacher Are there anythings that I should avoid doing with child X?"  You may find that you can not switch a child's schedule without telling him first or that they cannot live without chocolate milk at lunch.  Little things like that will make your experience go much smoother.

If there's anything that I can do for you further, just email me.  I don't mind being there for blind moral support.    Just remember your second year of teaching will feel like a breeze in comparision to student teaching and your first year.  It will get much easier!!!