Some children on Autism Spectrum may find the normal learning process challenging. What they need is the right teaching approach. Some changes in teaching methodology and patience can bring a drastic difference. Consider child’s interest, strengths and challenges to apply an easier learning process.
It is believed that children with special needs prefer visualizing things by their true nature. Use objects and photographs of soothing and mild colors, to let the child learn. It will be easier for him to grasp and will use it in real life when he encounters them. It is the world they see in pictures, not merely the word. Take advantage of this step to develop the skills.
Let the child learn phonetics with the help of pictures. They can memorize it while looking at the images. Use photos as the most effective tool to sound out new words. Explaining the various sounds helps them move from picture memorizing to attaching the picture to a sound. In this way the child can progress further. Have patience and give child sometime to learn it. Initially they might take more time but with practice and devotion the process gets easier.
Demonstrate the words to ease understanding. Words like “left” and “right”, “up” and “down” may not be as easy as phonetics. You have to show them by doing it in the easiest way possible. Illustrate such words by choosing the object appealing to child (for example a Tactile ball). While pointing to the word “left” and making the tactile ball move left each time helps the child understand what “left” means. Same process can be used for other directions and motions as well. Ensure to use different toys in this process like:
Or the child will associate the word only with the used toy.
Children with special needs face trouble with imagining things and getting creative. They take things literally. For this purpose prefer teaching them with non-fiction book like Playability Fun with Abby and Alyssa Book Set. This will better promote them to learn while reading and eliminating the need of imagination.
While learning through a non-fiction book, ensure the involvement of child in the learning process. Ask some simple questions to the child like:-
Or anything on-going and easy. Asking such questions will help the child stay focused on the details in the book and promotes better grasping and understanding.
Remember each child is different and they react differently in given situations. For some children, sitting at one place and learning may be easy but others may find it difficult. Work on individual’s strengths and challenges to find the best way.
