Teaching Strategies for Learners with Autism and Visual Impairments
Mar 29, 2022
Welcome back, friends! If you're a regular listener, you might notice that today’s audio sounds a bit different. That’s because I’ve been experimenting with new equipment and microphone setups. It's a work in progress, but it’s a great reminder that starting with what you have and building up is the way to go.
Today, I want to dive into something incredibly important: supporting learners on the autism spectrum. This podcast isn't a full workshop, but think of it as a coffee chat with a friend. (I’ll take a decaf Americano with almond milk, please!) Let’s explore strategies, insights, and resources to help you make a meaningful impact.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurological and developmental condition that affects communication, behavior, and learning. It’s described as a spectrum because symptoms and abilities vary widely. From individuals who are nonverbal to those who are highly articulate but benefit from adaptations, ASD is diverse. It affects people of all genders, ethnicities, and backgrounds.
While ASD is lifelong, treatments and tailored services can significantly enhance daily functioning.
What to Expect
Common characteristics of learners with autism may include:
- Difficulty with social interactions, such as making eye contact or recognizing emotions.
- Restrictive or repetitive behaviors.
- Strengths like detailed memory, strong visual and auditory learning skills, and potential excellence in areas like math, music, or art.
Autism isn’t linear—it’s more like a 3D model influenced by other factors such as visual impairments or additional diagnoses.
Teaching Strategies for Success
1. The Power of Routines
Routines are foundational for learners with ASD. They provide predictability, reduce anxiety, and create a framework for deeper learning. As Millie Smith emphasizes, consistent routines enable learners to anticipate and engage with upcoming activities.
To implement this:
- Develop a calendar or schedule.
- Collaborate with the learner’s team (teachers, therapists, and aides) to ensure consistency.
- Gradually introduce changes within the structure of the routine, with team support.
2. Structured Choices
Offer choices in a structured and limited way, starting with two options. Integrate these choices into routines to empower the learner without overwhelming them.
3. Collaborative Teamwork
Every learner’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) should address their unique needs, incorporating both ASD and visual impairment considerations. Regular communication with the learner’s team—including aides, teachers, therapists, and parents—is critical.
Data Insights: O&M and Autism
A 2013 study by Gense and Gense demonstrated that orientation and mobility (O&M) training helps learners with autism complete routes more efficiently. This reinforces the value of O&M for fostering independence in learners with dual diagnoses.
Real-Life Examples
Some effective strategies for lower-functioning learners include:
- Push-in services during transitions (e.g., walking to PE or the cafeteria).
- Purpose-driven tasks like delivering attendance or recycling.
For higher-functioning learners, community-based activities like grocery shopping can be transformative but require scripting and preparation. Practice handling unexpected scenarios, such as unavailable items or sensory triggers.
Webinar Opportunity: April 7
If this resonates with you and you’re ready to take the next step, join our webinar on April 7. We’ll discuss 21st-century collaboration methods to help your learners generalize skills and achieve greater independence. Visit alliedindependenceonline.com/training for details.
Free Lesson Plans for Remote Learning
Feeling the pandemic’s challenges? Planning remote O&M lessons can be time-consuming, but we’ve got you covered. Download eight free O&M lesson plans—customizable for your learners and ready in five minutes or less. Grab them at alliedindependenceonline.com/remote.
Together, we’re creating brighter futures for learners with autism. Let’s keep the conversation going—find me on Instagram at @alliedindependence. I can’t wait to hear from you!
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