Educating Preschoolers With Autism
Tips for Child Care Providers who Care for Autistic Children
Nov 3, 2009
Autism spectrum disorder is a genetic neuro-developmental disorder that can be diagnosed in very young children. Daycare centers, family daycare, and traditional preschools may choose to care for and educate children with autism. Children with autism spectrum disorder can attend traditional daycare or preschool if there is trained staff with appropriate credentials. Here are some tips for child care leaders who care for autistic children.
Top Tips for Educating Autistic Preschoolers
When educating preschool aged children with autism it is important to attempt to find their strengths and weaknesses and build on their strengths. Engage the child; don’t be distant. Dr. Diane Van Driesen, Director of Autism Services for the Wawa Eden House offers the following tips for preschool teachers and daycare providers who care for autistic children:
- Think and teach visually. Many children with autism are visual learners and using pictures and other visual aids during teaching is helpful.
- Use an area of interest or a special talent to connect with the child. Using reinforcing materials may improve attention and focus during activities.
- Be aware of environmental distractions, such as bright lights and loud sounds, which may interfere with learning or comfort. Some children learn better when moving or using their hands, while other children may require silence in order to concentrate. Explore a variety of sensory environments with the child to determine which one is most conducive to learning.
- Utilize technology, such as television, CDs, and computers. Encourage use of the computer and keyboard to improve communication.
- Make your expectations simple and clear. Use concrete language when presenting directions, and reinforce those ideas with pictures or modeling. Avoid lengthy verbal instructions, and break tasks and instructions into clearly defined steps. Wait for the child to complete the first step before moving on to the next one.
- Stick to a routine. Some children with autism need routine to feel secure. Even the slightest disruption in schedule can cause tantrums. Prepare the child in advance for schedule changes or trips away from home.
- Be patient with yourself and the child. Seek out support and training from experienced professionals.
Educating Families About Autism
When there is a child in the home with autism spectrum disorder, the whole family is impacted. “I would recommend that teachers and daycare providers involve the family in all levels of decision making for the child. Resources must be available and accessible to parents, grandparents, siblings and other caregivers,” says Michele Adubato, autism spectrum disorder expert and executive deputy director of The North Ward Center in Newark.
Preschool teachers and child care professionals must teach the entire family when caring for a child with autism spectrum disorder and must integrate school, home, and the community in doing so. Child care leaders can provide the family with guidance and like families to current resources from the local community and state system for families impacted by ASD. Teach the entire family to advocate for their child.
It is important to establish a bond between caregiver and the child. The best approach is a multidisciplinary approach between parents, teachers, daycare providers, and healthcare providers.
*Interviews with Dr. Diane Van Driesen and Michele Adubato were conducted in October, 2009.
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