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Autism
Addressing the Challenges of Autism: Research Findings and
Promising Practices
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Research
Highlights
Learn
about major research points. Use these highlights to improve your
instructional practices.
- Although
the severity and expression of their symptoms vary widely, most
individuals with autism have trouble in areas of social skills,
communication, behavior management, and attention management.
- Autism
is not specific to any race, gender, or region of the world. Therefore,
it is important to consider the cultural background of each student
before choosing an educational approach.
- Children
with autism have difficulty learning by traditional methods because
they struggle to communicate and think abstractly. Students with
autism typically perform well on educational activities that are
oriented toward spatial and motor functions.
- Although
models of intervention vary widely in theory and practice, research
shows that successful programs frequently incorporate a combination
of the following characteristics:
- Early
diagnosis (before age 5) and intervention
- Intensive
treatment
- Curriculum
that focuses on enhancing communication and social skills
- Opportunities
for children to practice these skills in authentic settings
- Classroom
structure and routine to encourage educational and behavioral
change
- Consideration
of the sensory needs of each child
- Parents
as members of the intervention team
- According
to Koegel & Koegel (1996), a comprehensive intervention program
should motivate children to attempt difficult social and academic
tasks, teach children to respond to multiple complex cues, and
include children in regular education and community environments
whenever possible.
- Several
effective and/or promising intervention models are available for
working with children with autism.
- Intensive
Behavioral Treatment
- Treatment
and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped
Children (TEACCH)
- The
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
- Social
Stories
- Research
studies support the efficacy of Intensive Behavioral Treatment,
based on its transferability to various settings outside the research
lab.
- Many
other programs are being used across the nation with limited data
on effectiveness. Teachers should carefully evaluate research
on the effectiveness of teaching strategies before implementing
programs in their classroom.
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