Attention all teachers! Scientists have discovered five incredible autism teaching strategies that are changing the game for neurodivergent students. Did you know that by using these groundbreaking techniques, you can create a classroom where every student feels included, engaged, and successful? These tried-and-true methods are making a huge difference in schools around the world, and now you can bring the magic to your own classroom!
Table of Contents
1. Embrace Visual Supports
Visual supports are a game-changer when it comes to autism teaching strategies. They cater to the unique learning styles of neurodivergent kids, helping them process and retain information more effectively. Spice up your classroom with:
- Visual schedules to establish routines and transitions
- Visual cues for instructions and rules
- Visual aids to support academic concepts
Consider using a mix of visuals like charts, diagrams, and infographics to keep things interesting and engaging. Check out these visual schedules for students with autism.
Read More: Tips to Raising an Autistic Child
2. Foster Social Skills Development
Social skills can be challenging for kids with thinking and learning differences. However, with your guidance, they can make remarkable progress. Incorporate these techniques into your classroom:
- Role-playing exercises for practicing social situations
- Group work to encourage cooperation and communication
- Social stories to model appropriate behaviors
Remember, consistency and repetition are key. Be patient and celebrate small victories along the way.
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Goally’s Kid’s Tablet has one of the largest libraries of skill-building videos (like “How to Share” and “What To Do When You’re Lost”) in the Goal Mine app.👇
3. Encourage Movement and Sensory Breaks
Fidgety students? Say hello to movement and sensory breaks. These short, regular breaks help kids with differente learning needs recharge, refocus, and reduce stress. Try incorporating:
- Stretching or yoga exercises
- Deep pressure activities, like weighted blankets or squishy toys
- Calming spaces for relaxation and self-regulation
Monitor and adjust the frequency of breaks based on your students’ needs.
4. Differentiate Instruction and Assessment
Additionally differentiated instruction is a powerful tool to cater to the diverse needs of your students. By offering multiple ways to learn and demonstrate understanding, you’ll boost engagement and success rates. Here’s how:
| Instruction | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Use multimedia, like videos and audio clips | Offer choice boards for project-based assessments |
| Integrate hands-on activities and experiments | Allow oral presentations or video recordings |
| Provide scaffolded notes and guided practice | Utilize graphic organizers for written tasks |
Read More: Autism Spectrum Test Child
5. Cultivate a Positive and Inclusive Classroom Culture
Last but not least, an inclusive classroom culture can make a world of difference for neurodivergent students. Here’s how to foster a positive environment:
- Establish clear expectations and consistently enforce them
- Encourage empathy and understanding among all students
- Celebrate each student’s strengths and achievements
By nurturing a sense of belonging, you’ll pave the way for every student to reach their full potential.
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Looking for fun ways to help your child learn life skills? Try Goally! The Goally tablet comes with award-winning learning apps and video classes to help kids develop the skills they need to become independent with FUN & evidence-based practices.
Our apps teach executive function, language, emotional regulation, finger dexterity skills, and more.
As your child develops new skills, you can increase the difficulty level of the tasks in the app to challenge and motivate them even further. This helps your child grow and progress at their own pace, while also keeping them engaged and excited about their development.
Unlock the Power of Inclusive Education
There you have it – the top 5 autism teaching strategies designed to supercharge your classroom and make a lasting impact on the lives of your neurodivergent students. By embracing visual supports, fostering social skills development, encouraging movement and sensory breaks, differentiating instruction and assessment, and cultivating a positive and inclusive classroom culture, you’ll create an environment where every student can flourish. Remember, your dedication and creativity as an educator can make all the difference. So, take the plunge and start implementing these strategies today. Get ready to witness the transformation in your students and revel in the joy of inclusive education!
This post was originally published on 04/29/2023. It was updated on 05/08/2024.
Emily is a seasoned blog writer for Goally, leveraging her extensive background in child psychology and special education to provide valuable insights and resources for parents. Her commitment to understanding and addressing the unique needs of these children, combined with her expertise in educational strategies, makes her a credible and empathetic voice for families.
