It could be a quite challenging for anyone to teach to an autistic child. Autistic children are little bit different and as a result they require to be taught and learn differently and that too with an emphasis on routine and stimulating senses like sound, sight, and touch. They do their best in a quiet, controlled reading environment which allows them to focus. With the right approach and if you have a bit of patience then you can teach an autistic child to respond well regarding education. So, here are some ways to make an environment to teach such autistic child.
Teach the child in a quiet and relaxing environment
Autistic children are sensitive to loud noises and sounds. You need to find an area in your home that is quiet so the child is not distracted or irritated. You should close the door if you are in a room. Let other members of your house know of your teaching session so they do not make a lot of noise. It may help to choose an area that the child finds comfortable and relaxing, such as their bedroom, the kitchen table, or your office.
Use a reading lamp rather fluorescent lighting
Autistic children get distracted or annoyed with the fluorescent lighting. Therefore, you can opt for a reading lamp that has warm yellow light rather than bright white light. You must place the lamp close to the child on a table or desk so they can see words and other reading materials easily. You may also try using natural light for the reading session, as it can be calming and relaxing for autistic children.
Allow the child to move while they are learning
Sitting still could be a bit difficult for the autistic child especially when they are trying to focus on words and text. You must let the child move around on a swing, a rocker or another type of chair that lets them fidget or shift around. If the child is moving around then it will actually help the child focus better and make them feel less constrained while they are learning. You can even give them a toy or another object to hold and fidget with so they can move their arms and fingers.
Get the child a padded vest to help them focus
There are some autistic children who are hyperactive and tend to have a hard time sitting still, even if they have something to play with or are allowed to move around. In such cases, it may be an ideal to get the child a padded vest that is weighted as it will help with the pressure to calm them. You can even ask your doctor to recommend such padded vest brand and type for the child. You need to put the vest on the child for 20 minutes at a time. You should not let them wear it for longer as this can cause them to become dependent on it.
Get books that have big images if the child is a visual learner
Some autistic children are capable of learning visually and they respond well to images which are large and easy to follow. You must look for children’s books in which feature images are bright, colorful, and easy to see. Picture books which have short phrases and lots of illustrations are ideal for autistic children. You must get a variety of books on different topics which have large images so that you can use them for a variety of teaching sessions.
Read or sing the books aloud if the child is an auditory learner
If the child responds better to sounds and oral instruction then get in the habit of reading the books aloud to them. You can even sing the words aloud because it will help them to keep the child interested in the text. You can even encourage the child to read or sing along with you so they learn words based on sound. Audio books could be another good option for autistic children as long as the text is simple and easy to follow.
Go for texts that have rhyme and repetition
Autistic children tend to respond well to words that flow well and are sound appealing. Texts must have rhyme and repeat the same phrases or words over and over again so that it can help them learn better. You can use books, poems, and reading exercises that feature rhyme and repetition as teaching materials. You can also have the child read the same texts over and over again to help them learn certain words or phrases.
Encourage the child to sound out words
Have the child sound out words with you as you read the text. You must tell them to take their time and sound out each letter so they can hear how the word sounds. You must try not to have the child read a word and sound it out at the same time, as doing both at once can be overwhelming for them.
Have the child use textured items to spell out words and phrases
Textured items like sand and rice are a great way for a child to use their sense of touch to write out words or phrases. You must use letters made of materials like velvet, felt or sandpaper. Such things can also be a good way for autistic children to form words. If the child has a favorite texture then try to integrate it into their reading sessions so they stay engaged.
Hope , these techniques helps you to teach your autistic child nicely so that such child could be the part of the main stream.