Children with Autism face many challenges as they learn to navigate the world around them. The difficulty faced in articulating their vivid thoughts readily is further frustrated by the lack of a teaching structure with techniques adapted to understanding the way they process information. These potential young scholars are often relegated to learning how to complete menial tasks such as how to push a broom across a store, and the proper way of folding napkins. Their educational experience does not prepare them to be fully functional beings in their community. However, if the current educational system developed programs to gradually incorporate them into the mainstream classroom, they would be able to participate in the conventional classroom.
Wyatt is a 11 year old boy. He enjoys playing with friends, and has a knack for analyzing people. His fondest wish is to have a friend to play with who will not bully him. He also shares that he is often lonely not having someone his age to talk and have fun with during the day. Wyatt also has Autism.
Children that view the world like Wyatt need exposure to their peers to become fully functional members of their community.
As they grow older, this necessary contact with society teaches them the social structure that once understood, allow a degree of autonomy.
This company of their peers will also help them recognize behaviors that endanger them, such as Wyatt’s current skill of identifying bullies.
Schools teach more than reading and Math they teach us how to become social beings, adapting to the mores and customs of our society.
Autistic pupils should have a program that focuses on breaking down the communication barriers associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder, while progressively introducing the techniques and subjects taught in mainstream classrooms.
Even if an autistic student falters in the majority of mainstream classrooms such as chemistry and biology, they should be allowed to participate in the areas that are well suited to their learning style such as art, music, and any environment that call for a hands on experience versus the lecture structure of most classrooms.
Although ASD requires new methods of teaching in order to reach the student, they can be taught. People with autism have shown great skill in mastering various artistic disciplines. Additionally, with all the new and various methods available such as typing on the computer, or a small handheld device that sounds out the words they type, children with autism are able to overcome many communication barriers.
Incorporating autistic students into mainstream learning environments may be a challenge, but it is a challenge worth facing for the future success of so many of our children.
Wyatt is a 11 year old boy. He enjoys playing with friends, and has a knack for analyzing people. His fondest wish is to have a friend to play with who will not bully him. He also shares that he is often lonely not having someone his age to talk and have fun with during the day. Wyatt also has Autism.
Children that view the world like Wyatt need exposure to their peers to become fully functional members of their community.
As they grow older, this necessary contact with society teaches them the social structure that once understood, allow a degree of autonomy.
This company of their peers will also help them recognize behaviors that endanger them, such as Wyatt’s current skill of identifying bullies.
Schools teach more than reading and Math they teach us how to become social beings, adapting to the mores and customs of our society.
Autistic pupils should have a program that focuses on breaking down the communication barriers associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder, while progressively introducing the techniques and subjects taught in mainstream classrooms.
Even if an autistic student falters in the majority of mainstream classrooms such as chemistry and biology, they should be allowed to participate in the areas that are well suited to their learning style such as art, music, and any environment that call for a hands on experience versus the lecture structure of most classrooms.
Although ASD requires new methods of teaching in order to reach the student, they can be taught. People with autism have shown great skill in mastering various artistic disciplines. Additionally, with all the new and various methods available such as typing on the computer, or a small handheld device that sounds out the words they type, children with autism are able to overcome many communication barriers.
Incorporating autistic students into mainstream learning environments may be a challenge, but it is a challenge worth facing for the future success of so many of our children.
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