Implications+for+Teaching

=//__**What Needs to be Considered and Why**__//=

**Sensitivity to Light and Sound**

 * Children with autism need to be protected from light and sound. They may be covering their ears or closing their eyes if their is a something they have been distracted or bothered by and therefore cannot focus on their thinking. Place tennis balls on the bottoms of chairs to reduce scraping or duct tape over the intercom/bell to quiet the sounds. Allow the student to wear sunglasses in brightly lit areas

Sensitivity to touch

 * Many children with autism are also very sensitive to the sense of touching or feeling. They will often feel scared in crowded places, not like to wear shoes, or be bothered by the feeling of objects, clothing, or foods. It is important to consider this when arranging students, being in places with many people, or understanding certain behaviours.

**Obsession**s

 * Many autistic children get fixated on one subject such as trains or maps. //The best way to deal with fixations is to use them to motivate school work//.

**Visual Learners**

 * Many children with autism are visual learners and may benefit from the use of pictures and charts in the classroom.

**Predictable Schedules**

 * Children with autism respond well to structure in routines and procedures. It provides them with a safe and predictable environment that increases their understanding and ability to succeed. When minimizing distractions be sure not to isolate the child.

**Communication**

 * Communicating with others and expressing ideas is often difficult for people with autism. Because of this, they also have difficulty getting along with others.

**Artistic**
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 * Many children with autism are good at drawing, art and computer programming. These talent areas should be encouraged.


 * How can you create an environment conducive to learning?**
 * Provide separate areas throughout the classroom different types of learning (independent, group work, reading corner etc.)
 * Minimize distractions (dividers are great for helping the child focus on one thing)
 * **Visual** daily schedules so that students know what to expect for the day
 * **Visuals** that label the parts around the room
 * **Visual** class rules (be sure these include no more than 5 simple, positive statements)


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