Autism
Children with autism, like all children, are capable of learning. It is simply a matter of using strategies that work for them and avoiding ones that don’t. Thanks to pioneers in the field, such as Temple Grandin, we have the ability to teach from a point of strength.
What is hard for them & why they struggle
Children with autism struggle with processing information that is given verbally. They have trouble remembering more than two or three steps in directions. When information is spoken and the child cannot picture it in their minds, they can’t absorb it. Abstract concepts prove difficult for them.
How They Learn Best
Children with autism think in pictures, not in language, so when learning to read, it is very helpful to have words embedded in images. The image is their language and the image becomes their best vehicle for learning. Many children with autism are good in art, drawing, and design.
- We can engage these creative children by asking them to draw pictures of what they are learning.
- When sequences present a problem, use images that show what to do at each step.
- When teaching numbers and what they mean, use concrete objects, color coding (one color per number) and manipulatives that show the meaning of math.
- Stories are powerful vehicles for learning concepts. Use story to teach specific concepts.
- It is helpful to follow a very predictable routine each day; to have a specific place for each activity throughout the day.
How we can help
• Letters and words are embedded in images that help identify the meaning of the letter or word.
• Teaching manuals are designed to follow a specific protocol or routine which children will become familiar with.
• Stories explain and show abstract ideas. For example, in math we use stories to show what is happening when a child is doing a specific operation. Stories link letters with their sounds along with images.
• Body movement is key to our teaching and learning resources. Everything is hands-on and body movement that reflects learning is integrated into every concept taught.
• New concepts are taught explicitly so children won’t have to make associations on their own.
What is hard for them & why they struggle
Children with autism struggle with processing information that is given verbally. They have trouble remembering more than two or three steps in directions. When information is spoken and the child cannot picture it in their minds, they can’t absorb it. Abstract concepts prove difficult for them.
How we can help
• Letters and words are embedded in images that help identify the meaning of the letter or word.
• Teaching manuals are designed to follow a specific protocol or routine which children will become familiar with.
• Stories explain and show abstract ideas. For example, in math we use stories to show what is happening when a child is doing a specific operation. Stories link letters with their sounds along with images.
• Body movement is key to our teaching and learning resources. Everything is hands-on and body movement that reflects learning is integrated into every concept taught.
• New concepts are taught explicitly so children won’t have to make associations on their own.
SnapWords® Lists
SnapWords® help children learn words in a way that aligns with how they think.
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SnapWords® Kits
SnapWords® Kits provide an extensive sight word vocabulary and supporting resources.
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Beyond Sight Words Activities
Hands on activities and games that teach reading while your child is learning SnapWords®.
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Phonics and Spelling
Reach for phonics and spelling resources that use pictures and color coding.
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Some non-verbal children are mono-channel: they cannot process in two modalities at the same time. For example, they can’t listen to you and look at a visual at the same time. They can either study a picture OR listen to you, but not both at once. It is best to let them focus on one task at a time: verbal or visual.
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The best way to introduce words to non-verbal children is by using a flashcard that has a word in a picture that shows what it means.
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According to Temple Grandin, the sense of touch is the most reliable sense. Make real objects available for your child to handle. For instance, when learning letters, let them handle large plastic letters or possibly let them trace sandpaper letters. If they are learning a new skill, it is helpful to guide their body through the process of learning – don’t just demonstrate – let them actually experience how their body will move while they are doing the new skill.
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Again, guiding your child’s hands through the whole sequence so that his body feels the action is the best approach. For example, if you are teaching your child to put on their pajamas, think through the process to arrive at the simplest approach, then hold your child’s hands and guide them through each step of getting into their pajamas. Or brushing their teeth, or putting on their socks and shoes.
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Children with autism can find it difficult to generalize. It is likely your child understands the procedure for crossing the street but only associates it with your house. In order to help them generalize that procedure, practice it in several new places.