As a teacher you can find that the best autism learning tools may be right at your fingertips. You might have to use different methods of learning for each student according to their IEP (Individualized Education Plan), but develop their learning styles and you will grow their learning skills. Keep reading to understand your learner styles and create the best teaching tools and tips for your students.
Visual learner
Images can be also used as autism learning tools. Some of the students with autism might be visual learners. Use this in their favor. For example if you want them to sit down you can show them the image of an chair and do word/picture/action association in the classroom. By repeating this action they will start to recognize that is the moment when they will get back to their seats.
You can also use images as a teaching strategy. For every new lesson try to find relevant images to help them understand better.
Kinesthetic learner
If the student is a kinesthetic learner you can lead him back to his seat by performing a light pressure on his back and gently guiding him to sit in the chair or at the table. For example if you want him to get back to his seat you can touch him gently on the shoulder as a sign that it's time to sit down for the lesson. If you repeat the same action every time he will cooperate better and respond faster to the prompt.
Focus on one sense at the time
Try not to use all the sensory learning tools at the same time. This will only confuse the student. Try each of them and stick with the most efficient one individualized for the student.
Help them to comprehend generalization
Students with autism often have difficulties understanding generalization. To help them learn easier you should show them more examples of concepts that are generalizable. Imagine you want to teach a student how to cross a street. Keep in mind that he might understand that he should be careful just when he crosses that particular street. Make sure you cross together a few other streets as well. The same method of learning can be used when teaching a new lesson; teach, model; practice and assess.
Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy
One of the best autism learning tools is called Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy (ABAT). This is a strategy based on removing all the distractions that might stay in the way. The ABA therapy will record the student’s progress and will help him/her understand the application of the repetition to the defined task.
Use their fixation into the lesson
Most students with autism may fixate on something they like. For example one student might love cars. In this case you should use an image of a car for a new lesson. This will attract his attention and create the focus needed for the lesson.
If you find the best strategies for a student with autism, he/she might have the chance to conquer tasks in the classroom and beyond. Teachers and parents should cooperate together to find the best autism learning tools in creating success for students who may have limited measurable learning outcomes in the classroom.