What Is Autism?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a range of complex neurodevelopment disorders

that impedes normal brain development. The range and intensity of disability
varies, but is characterized by social impairments, communication difficulties,
restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior. It is important to
understand that people with Autism process information and communicate different
than people without Autism. Therefore, they may misunderstand directions or
conversations. They may also struggle with correctly communicating their wants,
needs, or thoughts. When working with people with Autism it is important to be
clear, concise, flexible, and understanding.
Common Learning Difficulties:

Organization and time management.

Distractibility and attention shifting.

May focus on small details and may miss the bigger picture.

Difficulties with change, restriction, and lack of structure.

Struggles with expression (verbal and written).

Struggles with receptive language (doesnt understand sarcasm, tones,

teasing, slang, or figures of speech).

Very literal thinkers, struggle with generalizations and abstract thought.

Easily overwhelmed.

Classroom Strategies:

Explain changes in advance when possible.

Provide important information in clearly and concisely.

Allow students to work within their interests, when possible.

Avoid sarcasm, slang, or figures of speech.

Break down assignments into easy to follow steps (chunk).

Allow breaks when student shows signs of over stimulation.

Try to follow a routine, when possible.

Adapt or modify assignments or tasks that may be to challenging.

Provide visual aids, manipulatives, and modeling.

Place in socially acceptable peer working groups.