Definition
According to Vaughn, Bos & Schumm (2013), "Autism is a developmental disability that typically appears during the first 3 years of life. Although people diagnosed with autism are considered to have a severe disability, the range in ability level within this group is varied. Some individuals with autism may function independently or almost independently" (p. 241). This disability is characterized by varying degrees of social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors.
Characteristics
In order to be diagnosed with autism, a child must have documented characteristics in at least three of the following areas:
1. Six or more of any combination of the following:
2. Stereotypical behavior
3. Onset before age three (child begins to show a delay in development)
1. Six or more of any combination of the following:
- Impairments in social interaction (lack of responsiveness, inability to establish relationships, and/or poor eye contact).
- Impairments in communication (little tone-inflection, repeating what has been heard, no formal language, use of made-up gibberish).
2. Stereotypical behavior
- Body rocking
- Hand clapping
- Fascination with small parts of larger objects
- Inflexible routines
3. Onset before age three (child begins to show a delay in development)
- Characteristics must be specific to autism (not Rett syndrome or childhood disintegrative disorder).
Accommodations
Accommodations for students with autism include, but are not limited to:
- Schedule visible
- Provide more one-on-one and small group instruction
- Allowing extra time to respond to questions and directions
- Orally repeat instructions multiple times
- Allow the student to move around when needed
- Provide student a stress-ball
- Give the student choices and control
- Adapt the physical environment to limit distractions
Modifications
Modifications for students with autism include, but are not limited to:
- Use pictures with student daily schedule
- Color code relevant information
- Provide visual directions
- Modify curriculum to include sensory needs
- Modify curriculum to include social/emotional needs
Resources
- What is Autism?
This resource provides an insight to identifying autism, how common it is, and strategies to help autistic children.
- 20 Classroom Modifications for Students with Autism
A whole page dedicated to modifications to cater to an autistic student's needs.
- Suggestions for Classroom Accommodations and Modifications for Children with Autism
This website provides strategies for teachers to give appropriate accommodations and modifications for students with autism.
- Autism (Autism Spectrum Disorder)
This resource is dedicated to Speech Language Pathologists and provides teachers with strategies to help autistic students in the classroom that have speech and language impairments.
- Autism Fact Sheet
This website contains a plethora of information teachers can use in a variety of ways. Teachers can use this website to better understand autism.
- Teaching Students Who Are Exceptional, Diverse, and at Risk In the General Education Classroom, Vaugh, Bos & Schumm (2013).