Meet Chris (Understanding and Supporting Students with Autism)

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vmbo b
• Leerjaar 3

Meet Chris

To get an idea of the following lesson - Please watch the video.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the characteristics of autism and how it affects learning
• Develop teaching strategies that accommodate students with autism
• Create an inclusive learning environment for students with autism

What do you already know
about autism?

What is a common characteristic of autism?

1. Strong emotional intelligence
2. Difficulty with social interaction
3. Perfect social skills
4. Advanced communication abilities

Which of the following is a sensory characteristic of autism?

1. Normal sensory processing
2. Overwhelming sensory tolerance
3. Indifference to sensory stimuli
4. Hypersensitivity to sensory input

What is a typical communication characteristic of autism?

1. Difficulty with nonverbal communication
2. Exceptional nonverbal skills
3. Effortless verbal expression
4. Natural gesturing abilities

What is a common repetitive behavior in individuals with autism?

1. Repetitive movements or speech
2. Sporadic verbal expressions
3. Random and unpredictable behaviors
4. Varied and spontaneous actions

Which of the following is a characteristic related to routines and rituals in autism?

1. Indifference to daily patterns and habits
2. Preference for strict routines and rituals
3. Comfort with flexibility and spontaneity
4. Desire for constant change and unpredictability

How does autism impact learning?

1. Difficulty in social interaction and communication skills
2. Improved language development
3. Increased attention span
4. Enhanced memory retention

What challenges may individuals with autism face in learning?

1. Exceptional verbal fluency
2. Difficulty in understanding abstract concepts
3. Highly developed fine motor skills
4. Enhanced problem-solving skills

What aspect of learning is often affected by autism?

1. Heightened tactile sensitivity
2. Sensory processing and perception
3. Enhanced visual memory
4. Improved auditory discrimination

How does autism influence academic performance?

1. Enhanced reading comprehension
2. Heightened critical thinking skills
3. Difficulty in sustaining attention and focus
4. Improved mathematical reasoning

What is a common challenge for individuals with autism in educational settings?

1. Enhanced ability to multitask
2. Increased social assertiveness
3. Difficulty in adapting to changes in routine
4. Improved emotional regulation

 Understanding Autism

• Autism is a developmental disorder that impairs communication and interaction
• It affects individuals differently
• Autism can impact learning in various ways

Which is a known characteristic of autism?

1. Incredible memorization
2. Difficulty with nonverbal communication
3. Exceptional dancing skills
4. Fear of public speaking

What is a typical trait of autism?

1. Exceptional mathematical ability
2. Difficulty with transitions
3. Fear of water
4. Charismatic charm

Which of these is often seen in individuals with autism?

1. Extraverted personality
2. Repetitive behaviors
3. Musical talent
4. Fear of heights

What is a common autistic characteristic?

1. Perfect pitch
2. Natural athleticism
3. Photographic memory
4. Sensory sensitivities

Which of these is an autistic characteristic?

1. Preference for routine
2. Love for animals
3. Difficulty with social interactions
4. Interest in art

Teaching Strategies for Autism

• Use visual supports to aid understanding
• Break tasks into smaller steps
• Provide clear and consistent instructions
• Incorporate sensory breaks
• Use social stories and role-playing to teach social skills

What is one way to promote social interaction for autistic students?

1. Provide structured activities in small groups
2. Exclude them from any social activities
3. Isolate them from their peers
4. Expect them to initiate all social interactions

How can you support the communication needs of autistic students?

1. Only rely on verbal communication
2. Assume they can understand complex language
3. Avoid any form of communication support
4. Use visual supports like pictures or symbols

What should you do to create a sensory-friendly learning environment for autistic students?

1. Increase sensory input at all times
2. Minimize distractions and provide a quiet space
3. Expose them to uncomfortable sensory stimuli
4. Create a chaotic and noisy environment

What is one way to include an autistic person in a lesson?

1. Provide visual aids and visual schedules
2. Ignore their needs
3. Avoid any form of structure
4. Use only auditory instructions

Creating an Inclusive Learning Environment

• Foster a supportive and accepting classroom culture
• Promote peer interactions and social inclusion
• Differentiate instruction to meet individual needs
• Collaborate with parents and professionals
• Provide sensory-friendly learning spaces

Why is it important to promote understanding and acceptance of autism in the classroom?

1. Ignores individual differences
2. Encourages bullying and discrimination
3. Reduces stigma and fosters empathy among students
4. Excludes students with autism further

What should teachers consider when designing classroom activities for students with autism?

1. No modifications needed
2. Standardized curriculum only
3. Group activities without any structure
4. Individual interests, strengths, and sensory needs

How can teachers support communication in an inclusive classroom for students with autism?

1. Rely solely on verbal instructions
2. Discourage communication attempts
3. Minimize nonverbal cues
4. Use visual aids and alternative communication methods

Why is it important to create an inclusive classroom environment for students with autism?

1. Promotes social interaction and learning opportunities
2. Creates a segregated learning environment
3. Limits students' potential
4. Increases sensory overload

What is the best way to create an inclusive classroom environment for students with autism?

1. Provide minimal structure and routine
2. Avoid using visual supports
3. Implement visual supports and structured routines
4. Exclude students with autism from classroom activities

Recap of Learning Objectives

• Understand the characteristics of autism and how it affects learning
• Develop teaching strategies that accommodate students with autism
• Create an inclusive learning environment for students with autism

What is a common challenge for individuals with autism in learning?

1. Difficulty with social interactions
2. Strong attention to detail
3. High verbal abilities
4. Excellent memory skills

What is a structured teaching strategy for students with autism?

1. Encouraging constant free choice
2. Allowing unstructured and unpredictable classroom activities
3. Changing rules and expectations frequently
4. Implementing visual schedules and clear routines

Which teaching strategy promotes communication for students with autism?

1. Using visual supports and augmentative communication devices
2. Using closed-ended questions only
3. Avoiding nonverbal communication cues
4. Using complex language and vocabulary

What is a sensory-friendly teaching strategy for students with autism?

1. Playing loud music during lessons
2. Introducing strong scents in the classroom
3. Creating a calm and organized learning environment
4. Using bright and flickering lights

Which teaching strategy is helpful for students with autism to improve social skills?

1. Using social stories and role-playing activities
2. Using independent seatwork
3. Using competitive group activities
4. Using direct instruction and lecture-style teaching

What is an effective way to involve parents of students with autism in the learning process?

1. Not addressing parents' concerns or suggestions
2. Maintaining regular communication and collaboration
3. Excluding parents from any involvement
4. Providing limited information and feedback

What is an effective strategy to promote social interaction among students with autism?

1. Discouraging any form of social interaction
2. Allowing bullying or teasing
3. Encouraging isolation and independent work
4. Implementing structured social activities and group work

How can teachers support communication in an inclusive learning environment for students with autism?

1. Forcing the student to speak in front of the whole class
2. Ignoring the student's attempts to communicate
3. Using complex language and vocabulary
4. Using visual aids and alternative communication methods

What is one way to create an inclusive learning environment for students with autism?

1. Assigning extra homework every day
2. Isolating the student from their peers
3. Using only verbal instructions
4. Providing visual supports and schedules

Definition List

• Autism: a developmental disorder that impairs the ability to communicate and interact
• Inclusive Learning Environment: a classroom setup where students of all abilities and backgrounds can learn together
• Teaching Strategies: methods used by teachers to aid student learning

What one game would you play in a lesson with people on the autistic spectrum?

Board games promote social interaction.

Video games provide sensory stimulation.

Sports activities encourage physical exercise.

Puzzle games enhance cognitive skills.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.