Pervasive Developmental Disorders: Autism Spectrum Disorders (PDD or ASD)

Autism is usually described as a 'Spectrum Disorder' ranging in severity from mild to severe and falls under the umbrella of PDD. Typically, Autism is a severe learning disorder that causes disturbances in educational development. Children with autism have a marked impairment in the ability to relate to the environment, language, speech, expression of both verbal and non-verbal, social interaction and sometimes mobility is impacted. However, just like any student, autistic students have their own individual learning strengths and weaknesses. The autistic child will require a specialized educational program along with support services.

Strategies

Typically, the Autisic child will require fairly extensive modifications and most likely an alternative curriculum. Although, they will benefit from being in an inclusionary classroom with same age peers - this isn't always possible.

Some Quick Tips

'No surprises'. The classroom environment needs to be safe and predictable.

Maximize consistency and routines.

Avoid sensory overload and minimize distractions whenever possible.

Avoid any elements of surprise - this will stress the Autistic child.
Keep transitions to a minimal.

Keep a slow pace.

Present everything as concretely as possible.

Focus on daily living - anything that promotes independence.

Repetition of skill will be needed.

Provide a variety of choices and reinforcers.

Build in cooperative learning experiences when possible.

Deliver information in methods that ensure understanding - depending on the severity, this is often difficult.

Feedback should always be immediate.

Familiarity is key to success, keep things familar.

Learning tasks need to be broken down into small steps - sequential steps.

Always maximize the student's strengths.
Maximize one to one teaching opportunities - utilizing additional support staff.

Be consistent.

Use behavior modification].

It's important to note that there is no one best strategy to support Autistic/PDD students. Much research continues to occur in this area. An Autism specialist will be the best advisor for the child's program. Professionals will need to be actively involved in the program considerations to ensure that the child's learning is maximized.