Wacch Model Of Autism In Preschool

Early Childhood Special Education Autism in Preschool

Amber Canniff

Human Exeptionalities

SUNY Empire State

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism is a neurological developmental disorder that presents in early childhood. Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD as it is most commonly known can result in deficits with fine and gross motor skills development as well as speech development. Children diagnosed with ASD may also have difficulties communicating socially and expressing emotions. ASD children have an uncommon response to sensory imput. They may have adverse reactions to light, sound, touch, smell and taste. What Autism is not is a mental illness Autism does not get worse with time or age. In fact a child with ASD can develop

" TEACCH is based on research evidence that suggests children with ASD are visual learners. It is a structured learning model focused on visual schedules,work systems,task and organization. The main idea is that this type of visual scheduling and organization alleviate difficulties with transition,organization and communication. Physical organization and scheduling are two of the three main components of the TEACCH model. In basic terms this means having the classroom set up so students clearly understand where they should be and when. As well as what task they should be doing and when. For example in my classroom we have a board that can be seen as soon as our children arrive. This board has a a visual layout of our daily routine we have a picture laid out in order as follows: arrival, use the potty, wash hands, eat breakfast, brush teeth, wash hands, leave for gym, return to class and wash hands, circle time, small group work, free play, story, wash hands, lunch, go home. The third component of TEACCH is behavioural based teaching methods. This means using clear and direct communication and ensuring that the students are engaged

A child with Autism will avoid doing anything they may be criticized for . Understand that having Autism means that their sensory processes are out of sync with ours things we may enjoy such as music may cause them physical discomforts They may be very sensitive to smells and have hyper acute hearing which means when there is a lot background noise they cannot focus on what you the teacher are saying. Learn to the difference between choosing not to do and can 't do. When a teacher shouts directions out to the class to a child with Autism you sound like Charlie Browns teacher. So engage them directly and use direct and plain words. For example "put the Legos away and wash your hands for lunch". Listen to how they are trying to communicate this is one that may take time and observation. Especially if the child is non verbal. Watch their body language, withdrawal, agitation or other signs that tell you something is wrong. Understand that it is difficult for a child with Autism to express to you what they need. Show them how to do something do not just blurt out the instructions. Remember they are visually oriented provide pictures for them to be able to see what you expect from them. Help them to interact with their peers. On the outside it may look like they prefer t play on their own. But they just do not understand how to engage with their classmates. But most importantly as a teacher understand they are a child like