Description
According to idea.ed.gov autism means "a developmental disability significantly affecting verbal and nonverbal
communication and social interaction, generally evident before age three, that
adversely affects a child's educational performance."
Autism
spectrum disorders describe a range of neurodevelopmental disorders that
significantly impact communication and social skills and are evidenced by
restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests or activities. The
definition of autism spectrum disorders is evolving and is seen differently
depending on who is explaining autism spectrum disorders. The federal
definition used for special education states that an autism spectrum disorder
is a developmental disability that significantly affects verbal and nonverbal
communication as well as social interaction. Autism spectrum disorders are
usually diagnosed by age three, however, many individuals go undiagnosed until
later in life.
Indicators
Some signs of autism spectrum disorders in a child or adult
may include:
·
lack of interest in playing with other children
·
little or no eye contact
·
delays in learning to speak
·
challenges in adapting when a routine changes
·
fixation on an activity or object
·
misreading nonverbal interactions
·
trouble relating to others
·
repetition of words or phrases (echolalia)
·
difficulty building friendships appropriate to
their age
Accommodations/Modifications
- Change the number of questions to be completed
- Accept alternative forms of presenting understanding
- Provide word banks for worksheet completion.
- Allow student to type answers or audio record them.
- Provide plenty of examples
- Break down project into smaller components
- Give the student choices and control
- Develop social stories and social scripts.
- Provide trained peer support and/or a buddy system throughout the day for the individual. This person should assist with peer social interaction, as well as provide additional support as needed.
- Use role-play
- Assess and use interests and strengths of the person to structure both curriculum and free-time activities.
(Visit link for more options)
