Education: The Basics

Autistic disorders encompass numerous skill deficits that make it difficult for these students to participate in a regular education environment. Although some may be mainstreamed they usually require support services to maintain them in a regular ed setting. Some may need an educational assistant, while some may require speech, occupational or physical therapies. Students with autistic disorders have some degree of social and/or communication skill deficits, which may range from mild to severe. These students may not have the skills to follow social rules or social norms. They may appear to be rude or insensitive without ever intending to appear this way. A certified special education teacher, that is specifically trained in teaching social skills to an autistic student, can incorporate social skill building activities as well as a structured lesson plan to teach these critical skills.

Autistic students typically have difficulty with transitions, so a change in environment or activity may cause a tremendous amount of difficulty. It is usually preferable to teach transitioning skills prior to having the student switch rooms for various lessons. Many autistic students have difficulty going from outdoor play to indoor instruction. For those students it may be necessary to incorporate a transition activity. In example: Have the student pick up items (leaves, etc) from outdoors, to write about once they come indoors.

It is important to remember that many autistic students suffer with Sensory Integration Dysfunction (SID). For those students, the transition from outdoors to indoors may have more to do with the change in lighting, temperatures and even odors. Although it is not a permanent solution, some students with SID should remain in very controlled environments as any sudden change could impede their ability to process sensory input and throw them into sensory overload. The reaction that the student with SID displays when faced with a sudden sensory assault is commonly referred to as Sensory Defensivenes. It can quickly trigger a "fight, flight, or fright" response. These areas need to be addressed prior to placing the child in a problematic situation.

Additional concerns should be addressed in the classroom. Even in seemingly controlled environments, steps must be taken to ensure the child's safety. The simple act of watching a movie in class or the teacher's use of an overhead projector could be problematic for a student with SID. The dimming of a room, the sounds associated with a movie projector or the humming of the fan on the overhead projector could be too much sensory information for the student to process at once. Often a sensory diet is helpful, but be prepared for difficutlies until it is fully addressed.

Children with autistic disorders typically have poor problem solving abilities and fall victim to bullies. It is important to have close supervision for these students as they may not even realize they are being bullied until the problem escalates. An educational assistant may become imperative for students to navigate through their regular school day.

Traditional medicine does not offer a cure for autism, but early intervention has proven to be the most effective means for educating these students. If these students are taught social and communication skills early on and if they are specifically trained in methods to regulate their behavior, many may go on to lead productive lives and become active members of their communities. This however, requires intervention at the earliest stages of their education.