Teaching Tips for Autistic Children

• Many autistic people may be visual thinkers. Demonstrating rather than just verbalizing teaching can be more effective.
• Make verbal instructions short because autistic people may have difficulty remembering sequences.
• Encourage autistic children to draw, use art, and do computer programming. This is helpful because autistic people may excel in these areas.
• Many autistic children become fixated on one subject. Use these subjects in various areas of teaching. For example, use trains when teaching math.
• Use concrete visual methods to teach number concepts.
• Let autistic children type on the computer rather than writing by hand. Autistic children often have problems with motor control which makes handwriting very frustrating.
• Reduce loud sounds in classroom; PA systems, bells, chairs scraping on floor, etc. Loud noises tend to hurt the ears of autistic persons.
• Try to avoid using fluorescent lights in classroom. Their flickering tends to be a distraction for autistic persons. Sometimes outside light can also upset.
• Some hyperactive autistic children will be calmer if they wear a padded, weighted vest. This helps to calm their nervous systems.
• Rather than using a mouse, allow autistic child to work with a roller ball pointing device with a separate device for clicking. This makes it easier for autistic child to work with their motor skills initially.
• However remember every child is an individual & different. These tips may not always apply to your child.