![]() ![]() Autism is not a learning disability, though it can affect learning.Under this law, autistic students are entitled to experience the “least restrictive environment” where they have the greatest possible opportunity to interact and learn with their peers without disabilities and to participate in the general education curriculum. Autism is a disability covered by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).There is not one type of autism, but many.Autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication.Autism 101: Facts about autism spectrum disorder Here, we provide general education teachers with a crash course in autism to promote awareness and acceptance and to help create an inclusive classroom environment that not only supports autistic students but the entire class.īut the learning does not stop and start with one teacher in one classroom-parents, teachers and school administrators should share this with physical education teachers, art teachers, music teachers and throughout their school. But there is too much at risk for all involved to leave it solely up to teachers to learn about autism on the job. It is worth noting that the teacher apologized and took the necessary steps to correct the situation to Ethan’s satisfaction. Frustrated, the teacher asked, “What are you, autistic?” A heartbroken, embarrassed Ethan responded, “yes.” The autistic teen was having a hard time keeping up in a well-respected teacher’s class. Ethan Hirschberg experienced this in high school. On-the-job professional development specific to autism is nearly non-existent and rarely mandatory.Īs a result, even the best teachers can be unsure how to properly support their autistic students. ![]() Many teacher-education programs require just one overview class about students with disabilities. The bad news: most general education teachers lack sufficient autism-related instruction. It has been known to improve educational outcomes for all students, overall attitudes towards diversity and even school attendance rates. The good news: inclusion has universal benefits. Increasingly, more are enrolled in general education classrooms in school. If you are part of a not-for-profit organization and you want to use M-CHAT-R/F for teaching, or research permission is not required.One in 36 children in the United States is diagnosed with autism. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |