Teaching Autistic Students Using Structured Strategies
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Autistic students have difficulty when it comes to learning in regular environments. For this reason, many schools are implementing inclusive education for such students. However, to ensure proper learning, it is vital to make use of structured strategies. One such strategy is the use of TEACCH.
This methodology incorporates four different steps. To ensure that these are carried out in the best possible way, there is a collaboration between teachers, parents, other family members, and more to ensure effective learning. The four steps to TEACCH include the following.
Physical Structure
The first step is the physical structure that is presented to students with autism. This ensures that the students are learning throughout their time in their classrooms. The presence of physical structures in classes ensures that students can learn better.
For instance, the physical structure can be found in the form of a desk that is surrounded by elements that prevent the autistic student from getting distracted.
Visual Schedules
The second step from the TEACCH program is visual schedules. These are various pictures or illustrations that can help the student understand how to complete a specific activity. Words, pictures, photographs, illustrations, graphs, and similar elements can be used to ensure that the child understands what they are required to do for an activity.
Work Systems
It is imperative to ensure that there is an organized pattern that the autistic child can follow. By maintaining the pattern, they will know what steps they need to take as soon as they enter the classroom and when they have to leave.
It is essential to ensure that students with autism feel comfortable as they carry out these tasks. Making these regular habits for them makes it easier for them to understand what they are required to do in their classes. This gives them a sense of community and calmness as opposed to anxiety.
Visual Structures
Visual structures are the last part of the strategy, which refers to a visual or physical component added for autistic children. These enable autistic children to be able to continue and complete their activities with the added help.
Incorporating assistive technology for autistic children can be extremely helpful in this regard, as well. They will be able to ensure that their school grades don’t falter and maintain them for the better with the help of these visual structures.
Concluding Thoughts
It is important to understand that these methods are highly effective in classrooms for autistic children. You will find them much more relaxed and able to learn better with this program. Their overall final grades should also be better overall.