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Diversity Series: Differentiating for students with ASD
Find a list of schools
Researches estimate that autism affects one in 166 children, increasing the likelihood that educators have, or will have, an autistic student in their classroom. As part of our Diversity Series, Star Academy teacher Kelly Farrell provides some tips and techniques for teaching children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Read more
List of autism schools
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Bond Academy is a private, co-educational, non-denominational independent school with students from Montessori Casa to Grade 12.
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St. Jude's Academy is an IB World School that offers programs from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 in Mississauga. A university preparatory school with a focus on student life, average class size is 16 to 18 students.
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Robert Land Academy is a private military-themed boarding school (Gr 5-12) helping boys to achieve their potential and gain admission to post-secondary programs.
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Conveniently located in Midtown Toronto, our Junior and Elementary campuses are a popular choice for families seeking exceptional childcare and the very best Montessori education for their children.
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McDonald International Academy offers programs for grades 9 to 12 with 2 locations in the heart of Toronto. Its average class size is 10 to 20 students.
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St-Laurent Academy is a private school that offers programs from nursery to high school in Ottawa. Its average class size is ten to 15 students.
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The Maples is a private IB school in Orangeville, ON from PS to grade 8. Tuition starts at $8500. The Maples offer daily French instruction starting in PS.
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Founded in 1990, Yip's Montessori Program cater to children from 1.5 to 6 years old. Yip's four campuses are located in Markham, Unionville and Thornhill.
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Lynn-Rose Heights Private School offers challenging academic programming from three years old to grade twelve in Mississauga. Lynn-Rose Heights school is an official International Baccalaureate World School.
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Oakwood Academy is a special education private school in Mississauga. It offers programs from pre-school to grade 12. Oakwood also offers a unique 6 week summer camp focusing on social skills and emotional development.
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We are proud to offer families a superior elementary school education where God and His Word are central to the curriculum. Our faculty of qualified teachers is committed to loving and teaching each child.
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Brighton is the leading private school in Toronto for students with academic and/or social challenges. We offer curriculum-based and remedial Elementary programs; and credit, pre-credit and non-credit Secondary streams.
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Toronto Prep School starts later in order to maximize teen learning. The optimal time for teenagers to learn is late in the morning through to late afternoon. Our classes start at 10:00 am.
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This academically re-known French & English bilingual serves students from Pre-Kg to High School. Class size averages 20 students; tuition ranges from $15,000 to $18,00 . Boarding is available.
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Acadecap International School ( Académie de la Capitale), an IB school, offers bilingual and/or English programmes from Pre-K to Grade 12. Students thrive in a culture of academic excellence and real-life learning.
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We are a therapeutic boarding school for Gr. 1-12 students requiring individualized academic, clinical, and behaviour-management solutions in small class sizes and professional home stay or boarding environments.
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We are a new style of independent school for diverse learners where all students learn with dignity; where a warm and nurturing school serves as a foundation for remarkable lives; and where the whole person who matters.
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Students receive an excellent education which prepares them well for university, college and a wide variety of workplaces.
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Junior Academy offers programs for students from Toddler to Grade Eight, in midtown Toronto. The average class size is 10 to 14 students and it caters to all types of students with different learning profiles.
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An independent school that offers an individualized self-directed learning approach for tomorrow's leaders. Bursary programs available to qualified applicants. JK to Grade 12, Alberta Curriculum.
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Blyth Academy Ottawa focuses on personalized education, very small class sizes, and experiential learning for Grades 7-12. Big experience in a small school!
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Orangeville Christian School partners with parents to provide a quality, Christ-centred education. Every student is challenged to reach his or her God-given potential within a safe, nurturing learning environment.
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Blyth Academy Burlington, located in Village Square in the heart of downtown Burlington, offers not only our outstanding Grades 9–12 program but also a middle years program and facilities for students in Grades 5–8.
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We believe in project-based learning, enfolding, engaging and empowering students, and fantastic parent-student-teacher communication. We offer family friendly tuition with transportation included.
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Edelweiss Private Academy offers elementary education to students with ASD and other exceptionalities, maintaining small teacher to student ratio. We promote strong academic, physical and social-emotional development.
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B.E.N. is an engaging, caring learning community. The focus is on qualities and skills alongside the Ontario Curriculum. Small class sizes, outdoor activities, art classes and workshops. Parenting workshops are offered.
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Team School offers programs from grades 1 to 12 in Mississauga. Its average class size is 8 to 12 students.
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We focus on personalized education, very small class sizes, and experiential learning. Our London campus is conveniently located in historic Ignatia Hall on the banks of the Thames.
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Shoore Centre for Learning is a special-needs private school that offers programs from grades seven to 12 in Toronto. Its average class size is six students.
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At Hamilton District Christian High we believe exceptional learning is for every student. Our aim is to differentiate learning so that each student can reach their full potential through Project-Based learning.
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Blyth Academy Whitby is a private school for Grade 6-12 students, conveniently located for students across the Durham Region.
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Aurora Montessori School offers an extensive, nurturing, enriched program for 395 day students from Toddler to Grade 8 including an Outdoor Ed Classroom and the option to earn an OSSD credit in Grade 9 Academic Math.
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Blyth Academy Etobicoke, located in Toronto's west end, focuses on personalized education, small class sizes, and experiential learning.
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AVRO Academy is an alternative high school in Toronto for grades 9 to 12. Students earn credits while developing skills that best prepares them for post secondary education. We focus on student strength!
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The Study, founded in 1915, is one of Canada's premier all-girls' school. Dedicated teachers offer a warm and stimulating bilingual mother-tongue environment from kindergarten to grade 11. The World Needs Great Women.
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Ottawa Christian School is an independent Christian day school, educating children from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 for a life of faithful Christian discipleship and service.
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At The Westside Schools students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 gain a solid foundation for their future. Every student is known, cared about, and understood by Westside’s dedicated and passionate teachers.
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A friendly, active boarding school for bright boys who have good intentions but who may be too impulsive, intense, or bothersome for other schools and whose intellectual interests may separate them from their peers.
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Wildwood Academy is a special needs private school in Oakville. It offers programs from grades 2 to 8, with an average class size of four to ten students.
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Co-ed therapeutic boarding school in Massachusetts for students 11-22 years. Student support is offered for learning disabilities, OCD, anxiety, ADHD, NLD, ASD, attachment disorder, bipolar disorder and depression.
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Montessori School of Wellington in Guelph is the only CCMA accredited school in Guelph and the number one choice for children's education and life skill
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RJC is a Grades 10-12 boarding school accredited by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education. RJC is student and community-focused all while offering excellent academics and exceptional athletic and fine arts programs.
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Heritage Academy is an Ottawa private school that is designed for students with DYSLEXIA, ADD/ADHD and similar learning exceptionalities.
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Focus Foundation is a world-class educational and therapeutic learning institution, described by Dr. Charles Huffine, former President of the American Association of Community Psychiatrists.
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Oxford Learning Academy – where your child will experience a homeschooling approach with the benefits of socialization in a small classroom environment. This Milton private school runs from PK to grade 8.
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Kenneth Gordon Maplewood School is a centre of excellence in developmentally informed instruction that empowers children with learning disabilities in a passionate, progressive and inspiring learning environment.
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University of Toronto Schools (UTS) offers a transformative education to high-achieving students in Grades 7 to 12 from all backgrounds. UTS graduates take initiative and innovate as socially responsible global citizens.
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USCA Academy is a leading private school and international school
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St. Clement's Early Learning School
70 St. Clements Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M4R 1H2
St. Clement’s Early Learning School provides a child with an opportunity for growth in all areas of his or her development.
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Great Lakes Christian High School offers programs for grades nine through 12 in Beamsville. It accepts day and boarding students.
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Our campus located in midtown Toronto provides the warmth and community of a neighbourhood school. We are a short distance from our partners at the Royal Ontario Museum and Outward Bound at the Evergreen Brickworks.
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Ontario Virtual School is an Ontario Government approved credit-granting institution offering high school level courses for Grades 9-12 in an interactive online format. Students can start anytime with 24/7 access.
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For the past 36 years Kingsley Primary School offers programs from junior kindergarten to grade five in Etobicoke. Its average class size is eight to 12 students.
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GNS, an independent JK-12 International Baccalaureate day-school in Victoria, BC, that challenges and supports each of our students to do their best through truth and courage in learning and in life.
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At Blyth Academy Waterloo we are building an active and dynamic school community. We offer not only our outstanding Grades 9–12 program but also a middle school program and facilities for students in Grades 7–8.
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Bishop Hamilton Montessori School is a Christian Montessori school in Ottawa, Ontario, with classes from Infants to grade eight.
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At G.B.MS, D.E.P.S and Durham Academy Secondary school focus is on each individual student and helping them meet their unique potential and goals. We believe in excellent customer service and families have a voice. Throughout the year we enhance our programs through program enhancement and enrichment. We also offer March Break and Summer Camps for working parents.
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Robbins Hebrew Academy (RHA) teaches students to think critically and globally, in a community that builds self-esteem and life-long character. RHA is Toronto’s first Jewish school to be CAIS accredited.
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Magnificent Minds Inc. caters to learners whose needs are not being met in traditional school environments, pursuing academic excellence, and individual greatness.
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Inspected, accredited High School with campuses in Toronto and Chatham-Kent, offer high school credit courses in small classes and online, leading to High School Diploma. Our 5 acres Chatham Campus is a boarding school.
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Cornerstone Montessori Prep School is a Toronto Christian Montessori school with grades from nursery to 12. Tuition begins at $13,500.
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Virtual High School has been a trusted leader in online secondary education since 2001. We help over 8,000 students springboard to success each year with fully online, self-paced courses and unparalleled student support.
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Maranatha Christian Academy is a private Christian School located in Brampton. MCA utilizes the ACE curriculum that focuses on individualized instruction.
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Brighton Launch reimagines post-secondary education for young adults with intellectual challenges. Using a tailored skills curriculum, supported work placements and more, we prepare students for lives of success.
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TIA offers a wide range of educational programs such as High School courses, ESL, TOEFL/IELTS/AP Prep., Tutoring, Summer & Night School with a flexible admission schedule for both Canadian and International students.
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Blyth Academy Yorkville is a private high school for Grade 9-12 students, located in the heart of downtown Toronto, moments away from some of Toronto’s most exciting cultural and entertainment venues.
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Since 1861, The Sacred Heart School of Montreal, the city’s only all girls English Catholic high school, has been graduating exceptional leaders. We offer grades 7 to 12, day school and boarding.
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BCA is Burlington’s leading Christian Elementary school, with over 160 students in Grades JK - 8. Featuring small class sizes and Signature Programming in the athletics, arts, and experiential learning.
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King’s Christian Collegiate is an independent Christian high school providing superb instruction in a safe, stimulating academic environment. Caring staff set the tone for a positive, up-beat culture.
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Meadow Green Academy offers programs from pre-school to grade eight in Mississauga. Its average class size is 12 students.
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Brock Academy offers programs for Grades 7-12 in St. Catharines, with small class sizes, individualized learning and a focus on STEM as well as IEP students. We offer both onsite/online credits towards OSSD.
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Montessori Country School has provided a first-class academic experience to students in an environment that is distinguished by its compassion, integrity and unwavering commitment to the individual child.
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We take inspiration from the Reggio Emilia philosophy where each child is born creative, intuitive, resourceful, & has a strong potential for development from a very young age.Full-time care (7:30am-6pm). Tour anytime.
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We provide infant, toddler, preschool and CASA programs for your child. Our CASA program is based on the curriculum developed by Maria Montessori. We are located in Oakville, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan and Toronto.
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Blyth Academy Thornhill, located 30 minutes from downtown Toronto, focuses on personalized education, small class sizes, and experiential learning.
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Blyth Academy Downsview Park offers outstanding education coupled with unique opportunities for student-athletes to engage in sports-specific and fitness training throughout their regular school day.
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Blyth Academy Mississauga is a flourishing private middle and high school housed in unique heritage buildings. We focus on personalized education, very small class sizes, and experiential learning.
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Crestwood Preparatory College offers a university preparatory program for students in grades 7 to 12. Crestwood always strive to Inspire Excellence and to Nurture the Individual.
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Oak Learners offers a creative learning atmosphere, working with your child’s unique learning style to inspire their strengths and interests.
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Blyth Academy Online is a private school for Grades 9 to 12. We offer over 160+ affordable course which can be accessed 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
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Providence Academy is the only Private French Catholic School offering a trilingual program of study in Ontario with classes from nursery to grade eight. Tuition: $8,800-10,300. Extracurricular activities: $600-$650.
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Toronto eSchool is both an online high school and a tutoring centre offering grade 9 to 12 credit courses to local and international students on a part-time or full-time basis. Special needs students are welcomed!
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Our curriculum are designed to build essential skills and concepts that help with the cognitive, social, creative, emotional, and physical development of your child with the aim to be a successful learner for life!
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For over 25 years, the Montessori Country School provides a first-class accredited curriculum for students 12 months through grade 6. The sprawling 10 acre campus offers a unique indoor and outdoor learning experience.
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Unionville Montessori School offers programs from pre-school to grade eight. Its average class size is 18 to 22 students.
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Venture Academy is a therapeutic treatment and education program for students who may be struggling with ADHD, learning challenges, underachieving, behavioural issues, and a variety of clinical diagnoses.
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Venture Academy is a therapeutic treatment and education program for students who may be struggling with ADHD, learning challenges, underachieving, behavioural issues, and a variety of clinical diagnoses.
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The London School offers grades 7-12 personalized education in London in an academic program specializing in classes for anxious, stressed students experiencing school refusal.
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Don Valley Academy is a private high school whose primary aim is to prepare our students for post-secondary studies. We are dedicated to providing educational programs that meet the needs of each student.
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Avalon provides quality programmes from kindergarten to Grade 8 in the heart of the Beach.
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MJDS inspires a lifetime love for learning in a nurturing environment that fosters respect for oneself, the community and the world, guided by the shared values of Judaism and Montessori education.
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Centennial is the only high school in Quebec that helps students master their learning challenges and graduate on time. Over 90% of our students graduate in five years and go on to college and university.
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Incorporating academic excellence, service and peacemaking, Rockway is a diverse learning community of 265 students in Grades 7 to 12 including a dynamic international student exchange program.
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Everest Academy is an Independent Co-ed Day and Boarding School for Grades 1-12 & PG in Thornhill. At Everest the Learning is Built Around Each Student. The staff to student ratio is 8:1 and the average class size is 14.
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Little Owl Preschool, Elementary and Middle School develops motivated, confident, and happy problem-solving individuals. We invite your child to become a Little Owl student.
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The YMCA Academy is an alternative school for students in grades 7 to 12 with learning disabilities and learning style differences.
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Northstar Montessori offers authentic Montessori programs from Toddler to Grade 8 in Mississauga. We pride ourselves on strong character development and supporting life long learners! Now, Swim program is now included.
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The Mabin School offers programs from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6 in Toronto. Its average class size is 20 students.
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Teaching Children with ASD
The practice of teachers differentiating lesson plans and providing a variety of instructional strategies tailored to the unique needs of the individuals in their classroom is well established in 21st century classrooms. When a student has an identified learning difficulty or diagnosis with a neurological disorder, it is important to continue to view that child as an individual and not label them because of their identification. This is especially important when teaching children with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) since all children with ASD have a unique way that the disorder presents itself.
The term ASD is currently used as an umbrella term, encompassing the entire spectrum of disorders including autism, Asperger's Syndrome and PDD (Pervasive Developmental Disorder). Due to the many shared characteristics of these disorders, it is expected that the American Psychiatric Society will update their current definitions of these disorders to fall under the spectrum diagnosis of ASD with the modifiers mild, moderate or severe to classify the presentation of the disorder in each individual.
How is ASD Defined?
ASD is characterized by a combination of significant delays in three specific areas of development: communication, social interaction and behaviour. Children with ASD typically present with delays in all three of these areas, but one area of development may be significantly more delayed than the other two. It is important to note that each child with ASD presents very unique combinations of the typical characteristics. This can make teaching them challenging, since strategies that work for one will not work for another. Therefore, all the more reason to consider each child individually and differentiate learning to accommodate their unique needs.
Currently, children need to display 50 percent or more of the symptoms or characteristics listed in each of the three categories to be diagnosed with autism. Asperger's Syndrome is typically more common than autism, and does not usually present with the same language based delays as autism. Children with Asperger's are more likely to have difficulty with social interactions, social cues and moderating their own behaviour. A more detailed listing of specific symptoms and early warning signs can be found at the following websites:
- MayoClinicreferencedocumentfor"Autism"
- MayoClinicreferencedocumentfor"Asperger'ssyndrome"
- AutismWeb-descriptionsofASDsandstrategiesforparentsandteachers
The responsibility of teachers who have the challenge of individualizing education for children with ASD is primarily to learn as much as they can about that child's unique strengths and weaknesses, as well as to research a variety of strategies that are usually successful in teaching students with ASD. They then build a repertoire of resources to call upon when the current strategy stops producing results.
Key strategies for teachers with students on any part of the ASD spectrum, include (but are not limited to!) the following:
- Provide a highly structured environment with predictable routines;
- Post schedules, using graphic representations and colour coding as much as possible;
- Model appropriate behaviour and ask students to copy modelled language;
- Model appropriate social interactions;
- Integrate students with ASD into whole-class and small-group activities as much as possible to expose them to "normal" social interactions and behaviours;
- Work with parents and other support workers to develop consistent strategies.
Series: Trends in Education
- Five trends in private education
- Inquiry-based learning and the seven Cs with Kate Sharpe
- Rediscovering math
- Experiential Learning: How 'learning by doing' is making a comeback
- Homework wars: how much homework is enough?
- Ten reasons children should read comic books
- Project-based learning in schools
- The problem with discovery-based math
- Are technological devices stunting the learning curve?
- Guest post by Michael Zwaagstra: What's wrong with our schools
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