Supporting Children with ASD
Supporting children with ASD
Over the past 10 years I have had the privilege of working with many children on the spectrum. They have all played a part in my knowledge and understanding of Autism and how best to support their needs within a learning environment. Although every child on the spectrum has their own unique traits and interests, there are some key strategies that most children with ASD respond positively to.
The following 5 strategies have helped me to support children with ASD within an Early Years setting. However, all children are different and may not work for every child.
Simple Language
Simple language and key words help children to process what is being said or requested. Dependent on speech and language ability young children may only be able to process 1-3 words at a time. It is also important to leave plenty of processing time, pausing before introducing new words or repeating any requests. Too much language can make some children feel frustrated or anxious.
Visual Aids and Prompts
Very young children may benefit from objects of reference such as a plate to indicate snack time or their coat to indicate outdoor play. Not only does this help support the development of receptive language but also helps to anticipate what is happening next. Pictures and gestures are a helpful tool to support communication, particularly during transitional periods such as toileting, home time or story time.
Routine
Many children with ASD respond positively to routine and structure. Predictability help children anticipate what is happening next and provides a sense of comfort and security.
Outdoor play
Many children respond positively during outdoor play, therefore spending time outside and providing lots of physical opportunities will help support global development. Ramps, tunnels and large spaces for running have been most popular in my experience.
