How Does Autistic Children Learn Best: A Path to Success

Understanding Autism and Learning

When discussing the learning processes of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), it's crucial to understand the unique sensory experiences these children encounter. Their way of processing sensory information differs significantly from their neurotypical peers, leading to a distinct learning style. Hence, it becomes essential to answer the question: how does an autistic child learn best?

Sensory Processing in Children with Autism

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often face difficulties in processing sensory information, which can pose challenges in various contexts, such as school. This unique sensory processing pattern sets them apart from neurotypical children and requires tailored educational strategies to facilitate optimal learning.

Statistically significant differences have been identified in sensory processing patterns, sensory systems, and school factors between children with ASD and neurotypical children. For example, teachers of children with ASD reported a greater need for external help, less awareness and attention to learning, less tolerance in the learning context, and less availability to learn in this group.

Sensory Alterations in Autism

Sensory alterations in children with ASD are common and have a significant impact on their learning experience. These alterations can affect different sensory modalities, such as auditory, visual, tactile, and movement processing.

Up to 90% of people with ASD experience some form of sensory hypersensitivity, which has been shown to be one of the main causes of disruptive behavior. These hypersensitivities can create difficulties in traditional learning environments, which often do not cater to these unique sensory needs.

Understanding these sensory processing patterns and alterations is crucial in determining the best educational strategies for children with ASD. By accommodating these unique sensory needs, parents and educators can enhance the learning experience for children with ASD, ensuring they can thrive in their educational journeys.

Educational Strategies for Children with Autism

To answer the question, "how does an autistic child learn best?", it's important to highlight effective educational strategies that can support their learning process. These strategies include evidence-based practices, individualized education programs, and the use of technology in learning.

Evidence-Based Practices for Autism

Two federal laws, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA '04), mandate that educators use evidence-based academic and behavioral practices and programs for children with autism. The National Professional Development Center (NPDC) on Autism Spectrum Disorder has identified 27 evidence-based practices for improving outcomes for students with autism.

When selecting evidence-based practices (EBPs), educators and practitioners should consider factors such as the target behavior of the child, the student's age, previous interventions, staff expertise, and available resources.

Baseline data on the behavior should be collected before implementing a strategy or intervention, and this data should be compared to data collected after the strategy has been implemented to determine its effectiveness. Once an evidence-based practice has been selected and implemented, data should be collected on the behavior to evaluate the effectiveness of the practice and whether it was implemented with fidelity [2].

Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) for a child with autism is crucial as it allows for individualized instruction and accommodations that can help them succeed in school. The IEP team typically includes professionals knowledgeable about autism, such as special education teachers, speech therapists, and occupational therapists.

The IEP for a child with autism should contain specific goals such as improving communication skills, developing social skills, and reducing disruptive behaviors. These goals should be measurable, achievable, and progress should be regularly monitored and reported to parents [3].

Technology and Autism Learning

Technology can offer a significant boost to the learning capabilities of children with autism. It can help them improve their communication skills through various apps and features on devices, catering to individuals at different levels and abilities [4].

Visual schedules on tablets can assist autistic children in completing tasks, working on skills like self-care and daily living, and learning to manage time effectively.

Furthermore, autistic individuals can use technology to make decisions, fostering self-advocacy skills as they age into adulthood. For instance, they can use a smartphone or tablet to communicate choices like their preferred item at a restaurant.

Video modeling, a visual teaching method using videos on tablets or smartphones, can help autistic children learn various skills such as hygiene and job tasks in an engaging way.

By combining evidence-based practices, individualized education programs, and the strategic use of technology, parents and educators can create an effective learning environment that caters to the unique needs of a child with autism.

Supporting Communication in Autism

Understanding how an autistic child learns best often involves discovering effective communication strategies tailored to their unique abilities and strengths. Visual supports, visual aids, and communication aids can play a significant role in facilitating communication for children with autism.

Visual Supports for Communication

Visual supports, such as the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and visual calendars, can help children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) communicate their needs and comprehend the world around them. These tools assist with routine, transitions, and understanding upcoming events. Visual supports cater particularly well to children with ASD, as they are often visual learners and processing language quickly can be difficult for them.

Benefits of Visual Aids

Visual aids, like PECS cards, feelings and emotions charts, and visual schedules, can expand a child with autism's ability to interact with their environment. These aids provide a sense of autonomy, allowing children to express needs and make choices. They also help children understand daily rhythms and contribute to their activities. Visual aids can initiate communication between children with ASD and their caretakers, enabling expression of desires, ideas, personalities, and wishes.

Communication Aids for Autistic Children

Communication aids, such as PECS cards and other visual aids, offer children with autism a method to actively partake in their daily lives. Tailored to each child's preferred communication style, these aids can evolve as they transition into new developmental phases. Importantly, visual communication aids do not hinder speech development but help establish the foundations of verbal communication.

To determine the best visual aids and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) strategies for a child with autism, it's crucial to consult a speech-language pathologist (SLP). Options such as sign language, picture cards, visual aids, and electronic devices that produce speech can be customized to fit a child's needs, encouraging progress towards speech or more developed nonverbal communication [5].

In conclusion, understanding and utilizing visual supports, visual aids, and specific communication aids can be instrumental in supporting the communication abilities of children with autism. These tools can enhance their autonomy, encourage interaction, and foster a sense of active participation in their daily lives.