4 Best Teaching Strategies for Students with Autism

Understanding Autism

To effectively implement teaching strategies for students with autism, it's important to have an understanding of autism itself. This section provides an overview of autism and highlights the prevalence of this neurodevelopmental disorder.

Overview of Autism

Autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social interaction, communication, and behavior. Individuals with autism may exhibit a wide range of characteristics and abilities, making each person unique in their needs and strengths.

Common characteristics of autism include challenges in social interactions and communication, repetitive behaviors or restricted interests, sensory sensitivities, and difficulties with transitions and changes in routine. However, it's important to note that autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning that the severity and combination of these characteristics can vary greatly from person to person.

It's crucial to approach individuals with autism with empathy, understanding, and acceptance. By recognizing and accommodating their unique needs, educators can create inclusive learning environments and provide appropriate support for students with autism.

Prevalence of Autism

The prevalence of autism has been steadily increasing over the years. According to the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, the prevalence rate of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has nearly tripled since 2000 [1]. This increase can be attributed to a combination of factors, including improved diagnostic criteria, increased awareness, and changes in societal and environmental factors.

As of 2018, more than 700,000 students with autism were served by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), representing over 10 percent of all disabled students covered that year. These numbers highlight the importance of implementing effective teaching strategies to meet the unique needs of students with autism.

By understanding the characteristics and prevalence of autism, educators can better tailor their teaching strategies to support students with autism and create inclusive learning environments. It's essential to stay informed about the latest research and evidence-based practices to ensure the best outcomes for students with autism.

Evidence-Based Teaching Strategies

When it comes to teaching students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), it is essential to utilize evidence-based strategies that have been proven effective in supporting their learning and development. In this section, we will explore two key categories of evidence-based teaching strategies: strategies specifically designed for ASD students and high-leverage practices that can be used with students with autism.

Strategies for ASD Students

To effectively meet the unique needs of students with ASD, it is important to employ strategies that are tailored to their specific challenges and strengths. The Autism Speaks School Community Tool Kit offers 14 autism teaching strategies that provide valuable resources for teachers and the entire school community [2]. These strategies include visual supports, structured environments, social stories, and individualized education plans (IEPs). By employing these strategies, educators can create a supportive and inclusive learning environment for students with ASD, promoting their engagement, participation, and overall success.

High-Leverage Practices

High-leverage practices (HLPs) are evidence-based instructional strategies that have a significant impact on student learning outcomes. While not specifically designed for students with ASD, HLPs can be effectively utilized with students on the spectrum. The National Professional Development Center (NPDC) on Autism Spectrum Disorder has identified 27 evidence-based practices for improving outcomes for students with ASD [3]. Some of these practices align with HLPs, such as small-group instruction, functional behavior assessments, peer-assisted strategies, and organized and supportive learning environments.

By incorporating these high-leverage practices into the teaching strategies for students with autism, educators can create a positive and effective learning environment. These practices focus on individualized instruction, building social skills, and promoting independence, which are essential for supporting the learning and development of students with ASD.

By combining strategies specifically designed for ASD students with high-leverage practices, educators can create a comprehensive and effective approach to teaching students with autism. It is important for teachers to continuously engage in professional development to stay up to date with the latest evidence-based strategies and approaches. Professional development programs, such as those offered by Teaching Strategies, provide transformative and ongoing support for teachers through on-demand courses, virtual sessions with experts, and coaching mentors to refine teaching practices [4].

Implementing evidence-based teaching strategies not only supports the academic growth of students with ASD but also fosters their social and emotional development, helping them thrive in the educational setting.

Structured Teaching Strategies

When it comes to teaching students with autism, structured teaching strategies have proven to be highly effective in promoting their learning and development. These strategies are based on an understanding of how autism impacts the thinking, learning, and behavior of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). By capitalizing on their strengths and providing a structured environment, these strategies aim to enhance engagement, independence, and reduce anxiety. Two prominent structured teaching strategies are the TEACCH approach and the Structured Teaching Pyramid.

TEACCH Approach

The TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication handicapped Children) approach is a comprehensive treatment model developed by Division TEACCH in North Carolina. It emphasizes an extensive understanding of autism, partnering with families, individualized assessment, and the development of skills across curriculum areas for individuals with ASD.

Structured Teaching strategies form a significant component of the TEACCH approach. These strategies are designed to address the unique learning characteristics and challenges faced by individuals with ASD. The key elements of the TEACCH approach include:

Physical Structure: Creating an organized physical environment that supports predictability and reduces distractions. This involves arranging furniture, materials, and resources in a consistent and visually clear manner.
Visual Schedules: Utilizing visual supports, such as visual schedules, to provide a clear understanding of the daily routine and activities. Visual schedules help individuals with ASD anticipate and transition between tasks, promoting independence and reducing anxiety.
Work Systems: Implementing individualized work systems that break down tasks into manageable steps. These systems provide clear instructions, visual prompts, and a structured format for completing tasks, enhancing organization and task completion skills.
Visual Structure: Incorporating visual supports throughout the learning environment to enhance comprehension and understanding. This may include visual aids, visual boundaries, and visual cues that provide additional structure and support.

Structured Teaching Pyramid

The Structured Teaching Pyramid is another valuable tool for implementing structured teaching strategies in the classroom setting. It consists of five interconnected elements that build upon one another to create a supportive and structured learning environment for students with ASD. The elements of the Structured Teaching Pyramid include:

Physical Structure: Creating an organized physical environment that promotes predictability and reduces distractions. This involves arranging the classroom space, materials, and visual supports in a consistent and visually clear manner.
Visual Schedules: Utilizing visual schedules to outline the daily routine and activities. Visual schedules help students understand expectations, transitions, and the sequence of tasks.
Work Systems: Implementing individualized work systems that break down tasks into manageable steps. These systems provide clarity, organization, and promote independence in task completion.
Visual Structure: Incorporating visual supports throughout the learning environment to enhance understanding and engagement. Visual supports can include visual aids, visual boundaries, and visual cues that provide additional structure and support.

By implementing the TEACCH approach and utilizing the Structured Teaching Pyramid, educators can create an environment that supports the unique learning needs of students with autism. These strategies focus on predictability, visual supports, and organization, allowing students to thrive and achieve their full potential.

Professional Development for Educators

When it comes to teaching students with autism, ongoing professional development for educators plays a crucial role in ensuring effective teaching strategies. Professional development programs provide educators with opportunities to enhance their teaching skills, learn new styles, tips, and techniques, and interact with expert instructors. These programs can be delivered through various avenues such as in-house training sessions, school district-sponsored programs, or continuing education courses offered by colleges or universities both on-campus and online.

Importance of Professional Development

Teacher professional development is highly valued by federal, state, and local educational organizations due to its proven ability to enhance student comprehension and achievement. Research indicates that effective professional development can result in changes in teacher practices and improvements in student learning outcomes. Quality professional development programs have several benefits, including:

Enhancing student comprehension and achievement.
Improving teacher practices.
Fostering a positive learning environment.
Developing specialized knowledge and skills to meet the diverse needs of students, including those with autism.

By participating in professional development opportunities, educators can stay up-to-date with the latest research, evidence-based practices, and teaching strategies specifically tailored for students with autism.

Effective Professional Development

Effective professional development is defined as structured professional learning that leads to changes in teacher practices and improvements in student learning outcomes. To ensure effectiveness, professional development programs for educators should be:

Engaging and Interactive: Encouraging active participation and collaboration among educators through workshops, group discussions, and hands-on activities.
Differentiated: Addressing the diverse needs and skill levels of educators by offering a range of topics and courses that cater to various teaching contexts and subject areas.
Relevant and Timely: Providing educators with the knowledge and skills required to address current educational challenges and trends.
Sustained and Ongoing: Offering opportunities for continuous learning and growth, allowing educators to reflect on their teaching practices and refine their skills over time.

Professional development topics for educators can cover a wide range of subjects, including Differentiated Instruction, Adolescent Literacy, Closing the Achievement Gap, Common Core Standards, and even Introduction to Coding for Educators. By engaging in professional development, educators can enhance their teaching practices and better support students with autism in their classrooms [6].

Investing in professional development for educators is a valuable step towards creating inclusive and effective learning environments for students with autism. By continuously expanding their knowledge and skills, educators can implement evidence-based teaching strategies and provide the necessary support to help students with autism thrive academically and socially.

Implementing Teaching Strategies

To effectively support students with autism, it is crucial to implement appropriate teaching strategies tailored to their individual needs. This section explores two key components of implementing effective strategies: individualized education programs (IEPs) and data collection and evaluation.

Individualized Education Programs

Individualized Education Programs, commonly referred to as IEPs, play a vital role in providing personalized educational plans for students with autism. IEPs are developed collaboratively by educators, parents, and other professionals involved in the student's education. These programs outline specific goals, accommodations, and strategies to address the unique needs of the student.

IEPs should align with federal laws such as the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA '04), which mandate the use of evidence-based practices for children with autism. When developing an IEP, it is essential to consider the target behavior, collect baseline data, and determine which evidence-based practices will effectively address the behavior [3].

Data Collection and Evaluation

Data collection and evaluation are crucial components of implementing teaching strategies for students with autism. By collecting data, educators can monitor progress, identify areas of improvement, and make informed decisions to support the student's learning and development.

After implementing an evidence-based practice (EBP), it is important to collect data on the targeted behavior and evaluate its effectiveness. This data helps determine whether the strategy is yielding positive outcomes and whether any adjustments or modifications are necessary. Implementation fidelity, which refers to the degree to which the practice is executed as intended, should also be considered when evaluating the effectiveness of an EBP.

By incorporating data collection and evaluation into the teaching process, educators can continuously assess the impact of strategies and make data-informed decisions to improve outcomes for students with autism. These practices ensure that teaching approaches are evidence-based, individualized, and responsive to the unique needs of each student.

Implementing effective teaching strategies requires a comprehensive approach that includes the development of individualized education programs and the collection and evaluation of data. By leveraging these strategies, educators can create a supportive and inclusive learning environment that promotes the growth and success of students with autism.

Addressing Specific Needs

When teaching students with autism, it's important to address their specific needs to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment. Two key areas that require attention are sensory sensitivities and literacy development strategies.

Sensory Sensitivities

Sensory sensitivities are common among individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Approximately 69 to 93 percent of individuals with ASD experience hypersensitivity or other sensory symptoms, leading to overreactions to the sensory environment [1]. Educators can implement the following strategies to address sensory sensitivities in the classroom:

Create a sensory-friendly environment: Minimize loud noises, bright lights, and overwhelming visual stimuli in the classroom. Provide a quiet space or designated sensory area where students can retreat if they feel overwhelmed.
Use visual supports: Visual aids, such as visual schedules, social stories, and visual cues, can help students with autism understand expectations and navigate daily routines more effectively.
Offer sensory breaks: Allow students to take short breaks when they feel overwhelmed or overstimulated. These breaks can include activities that provide sensory input, such as using stress balls or engaging in deep pressure activities.

By being mindful of sensory sensitivities and implementing strategies to address them, educators can create a more comfortable and supportive learning environment for students with autism.

Literacy Development Strategies

Reading difficulties are common among children with ASD, making it crucial for educators to be knowledgeable about effective literacy development strategies. Here are some strategies that can support literacy development in students with autism:

Individualized instruction: Tailor instruction to meet the unique learning needs of each student. Use multi-sensory techniques, such as incorporating visual supports, hands-on activities, and interactive materials, to engage students and reinforce literacy skills.
Structured and predictable routines: Create structured and predictable routines for literacy activities. This can help students with autism feel more comfortable and confident in their learning environment.
Visual supports for reading comprehension: Utilize visual aids, such as graphic organizers, story maps, and visual cues, to enhance reading comprehension and support students' understanding of the content.
Explicit instruction in phonics and decoding skills: Provide explicit instruction in phonics and decoding skills to help students with autism develop strong foundational reading skills. Break down complex words into smaller, more manageable units to facilitate learning.

Implementing these strategies can help students with autism develop their literacy skills and foster a love for reading and learning.

By addressing the specific needs of students with autism, such as sensory sensitivities and literacy development, educators can create an inclusive and supportive learning environment that maximizes the potential for academic success.