Managing Autism Spectrum Disorder

How do we create a conducive classroom for all children? There are many ways you can do so to ensure a rich learning experience for the children to thrive in through the arrangement of the physical classroom and materials provided. Let’s go through them together! Organised with clear boundaries: A conducive physical classroom is one that is kept organised while setting boundaries for the children. Providing ample space in the classroom helps to ensure it does not get visually over-stimulating for the children. Another way we can do this is by having dividers in the classroom. Dividers are great to keep the children at their respective learning areas without having to constantly chase or keep your eyes on them, while also help to designate spaces in the classroom. Not only is it great for children, it also does wonders in helping manage children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in your classroom. Dividers help eliminate the noise in a classroom or disruptions happening on the other s...

Classroom management strategies are really important for us Educators. What can we do? Establishing routines A routine is a set of activities that are done within a specific time frame on a daily basis. For example, educators should implement outdoor playtime in the morning daily and stick with that placement of timing throughout the whole week. A routine helps children feel safe and secured as the activities that are taking place are predictable, which will provide them with a sense of comfortability. These routines also help to eliminate any outburst of behaviour and can help reduce a child's anxiety as they can be confident in what will happen next ( NHS Lanarkshire, n.d. ).  Image from: Modafinil24 (2024), a classroom visual daily schedule. Calm corner  A calm corner can be set up for children when they have an outburst of emotions or feel overwhelmed and when they need to be in their own comfort. This corner can be filled with different materials such as sensory items and...

What is an IEP? IEP stands for Individualized Educational Plan. It is a map that lays out the program of special education instructions, support and services children need to make progress and thrive in school and at home  (Belsky, n.d.).  Why is an IEP important? IEP's helps educators tracks a child's progress again short-term SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time) goals to support achievement of long-term goals. It also shares information between the school, child's family and other professionals such as the child's specialist (Education.Vic.Gov.Au, 2022).  Who is involved in an IEP?  Educators Child's parents or caregivers Child's therapist(s) How does an IEP work for children with Autism? How autism hinders a child's educational progress depends on each child. By carefully designing an IEP for Autism, it is possible to create a plan that will help your child develop in many ways.  Many children with ASD find it difficult to develop the ...

Who are the stakeholders at school? Educators  Special needs therapist(s) Let's find out how these stakeholders play an important role of setting up the learning environment!  When educators create a positive and supportive environment, children will feel safe and secure. A positive classroom environment is one that is conducive to learning. It should have a comfortable temperature, plenty of materials and supplies. A positive classroom environment also encourages creativity and flexibility in the teaching methods used. (Yussif, 2023). Hence, when educators are involved in creating a positive learning environment, educators build strong relationships and trust with children.  Special needs therapist are involved in setting up the learning environment as they work closely with the educators to provide an inclusive learning environment for children with special needs. The special needs therapist will access the child's learning abilities and inform the educators about any m...

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Action for Healthy Kids. (2022, February 18). Calm Down Corner. Action for Healthy Kids. https://www.actionforhealthykids.org/activity/calm-down-corner/#:~:text=The%20overall%20goal%20of%20a,you%20do%20not%20want%20to Belsky, G. (n.d.).  What is an IEP?  Understood.  https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-is-an-iep Bhandari, S. (2024, June 21). Individualised Educational Programs (IEP) for Autism. WebMD.  https://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/individualized-education-programs-ieps-for-autism Bridging The Gap. (N.d.). Importance of visual cues & visual supports. Bridging The Gap. https://bridgingthegap.com.sg/importance-of-visual-cues-visual-supports/#:~:text=Help%20improve%20communication.&text=What%20more%20for%20kids%20who,want%20in%20the%20class%20properly Brightwheel. (2024, January 8).  How to use positive reinforcement in the classroom.  My Brightwheel.  https://mybrightwheel.com/blog/positive-reinforcement-in-the-classroom   Educ...