Integrate hugging and other activites to engage the nervous system in an Autistic child.
Approximately one child out of 110 children have been diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism predominately occurs in males, but females can get mild to severe diagnosis of the disorder as well according to statistics found in the Center of Disease Control and Prevention. While researchers and scientists are working diligently to discover what causes this disorder, parents and educators are working to educate and develop individuals who suffer from Autism. Specific methods and tools for Autistic children can help teachers get the most out of lessons to grow minds and increase awareness.
Sing Songs
While children with out a learning disability regularly engage in song and dance activities through school or through leisure time, using a singing activity with Autistic children can help them focus their attention. Place Autistic children in a group setting and create a simple greeting song involving words and actions that refer to greeting one another. Work on getting vocal interaction and eye contact with your students. Use songs with simple instructions like "Wave Your Hand," or "Wiggle Your Feet," to encourage students to become aware of their bodies.
Visual Maps
Use a visual map to help children with Autistic disorders discover their thought processes. Help them discover organization and brainstorming skills by creating simple maps on paper. Draw a large bubble in the center of a sheet of paper with several smaller bubbles surrounding the center one. Draw lines connecting the bubbles and write a topic in the center bubble. Let children brainstorm ideas that revolve around the topic and have them write it down. Show the child a completed brainstorm map example and explain the process, as children with this disorder may have trouble understanding the instructions.
Technology
Integrate technology in the classroom. In Britain, some schools have integrated a humanoid robot to help Autistic children learn facial and social interaction skills. The article "Using a Robot to Teach Human Social Skills" by Emmet Cole in Wired magazine describes that an aluminum robot face covered in a silicone rubber designed to look like a human face can help children interpret and copy facial expressions.
Computer software, interactive books, robotic assistance, and even video games can assist Autistic children to interact socially with other people. Start children off with simple recognition tasks like finding where eyes, ears or other body parts are located. Move on to how different body parts interact with each other. Break lessons down into small steps.
Sensory Integration
Sensory integration was developed by therapist and researcher Jean Ayres. She helped to design a theory to help Autistic students desensitize the nervous system and adapt to various sensory stimulation. Use blankets and mats to create a deep-pressure massage or hugs to get students use to pressure placed on the skin and body. Incorporate a balance beam in lessons to help students focus on inner-equilibrium. Climbing up and down a set of stairs also hones gross motor skills.
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