What tips are available to help effectively teach an EFL kid with autism in a small class?

Question

He is an 8 year old Japanese student, and today is my class teaching him English. He is autistic, however previous teachers have dismissed this as behavioural problems. What tips can anyone give me to help teach him?

Answer 1

Not sure if you are in US or not but maybe this will help.

You may want to look into a local Center for Autism and Realted Diseases (CARD). They will come to the school and help with teaching/behavioral techniques for anyone who is associated with this child. They will also work with his fellow classmates. If the child's parents/guardians  put the child into their database and a parent attends an orientation, they will also come to their house and work with anyone who is in contact with him. Which all is provided free of charge. They also provide classes for the parents...siblings etc.; the majority do not require any fees, once in a great while one will.

You may also want to check with the parents/guardians..case worker..other teachers to see what techniques have worked for them when teaching him new things. I know from my own experience with my son that repetitiveness is usually a great way to teach them new things..may be rough at first but once it becomes part of their routine/schedule they tend to come around. But you have to be consistant.

I found that both the books entiltled Ten Things Your Student With Autism Wishes You Knew & Ten Things Every Child With Autism Wishes You Knew by award winning author Ellen Notbohm can be great resources. It gives you a perspective from their point of view. It will tell you about sensory issues, why they act out at times and how you can prevent it, teaching techniques; etc.  I've listed a site below that has excerpts from each book.

Good Luck =)