As part of our Diversity Series, we're taking a closer look at teaching students with autism spectrum disorders and methods teachers can use in their classrooms to encourage and support their students' individual needs and help them prosper throughout the year.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Bond Academy is a private, co-educational, non-denominational independent school with students from Montessori Casa to Grade 12.
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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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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 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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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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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 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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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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Heritage Academy is an Ottawa private school that is designed for students with DYSLEXIA, ADD/ADHD and similar learning exceptionalities.
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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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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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The Mabin School offers programs from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6 in Toronto. Its average class size is 20 students.
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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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Avalon provides quality programmes from kindergarten to Grade 8 in the heart of the Beach.
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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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Team School offers programs from grades 1 to 12 in Mississauga. Its average class size is 8 to 12 students.
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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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Great Lakes Christian High School offers programs for grades nine through 12 in Beamsville. It accepts day and boarding 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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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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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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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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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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Blyth Academy Whitby is a private school for Grade 6-12 students, conveniently located for students across the Durham Region.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Blyth Academy Thornhill, located 30 minutes from downtown Toronto, focuses on personalized education, small class sizes, and experiential learning.
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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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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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Bishop Hamilton Montessori School is a Christian Montessori school in Ottawa, Ontario, with classes from Infants to grade eight.
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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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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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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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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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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 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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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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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 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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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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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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Meadow Green Academy offers programs from pre-school to grade eight in Mississauga. Its average class size is 12 students.
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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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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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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 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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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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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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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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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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University of Toronto Schools (UTS) offers a transformative education to high-achieving students in Grades 7 to 12. UTS graduates take initiative and innovate as socially responsible global citizens.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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Blyth Academy Etobicoke, located in Toronto's west end, focuses on personalized education, small class sizes, and experiential learning.
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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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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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We believe in project-based learning, enfolding, engaging and empowering students, and fantastic parent-teacher communication. We offer family friendly tuition with transportation included.
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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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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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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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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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USCA Academy is a leading private school and international school
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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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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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The key to developing a successful working relationship with an autistic student is to remember that they are students and they are in your classroom to learn. As a species, we have an intrinsic desire to learn, to be curious, to push beyond the barriers of our known environment and to try new things. Autistic students are no different in these desires. What is different is how they perceive and interact with the world around them. It is these differences that make students with autism somewhat terrifying for teachers. Never fear–there are four basic steps that you can take to ensure that both you and your student have a successful school year.
Understand that Autistic Spectrum Disorders are a collection of lifelong neurological difficulties. They are very complex and encompass autistic disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Asperger's syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, autism spectrum disorder and other pervasive developmental disorders, according to authors Carol L. Paasche, Lola Gorrill, Bev Strom in Children With Special Needs in Early Childhood Settings: Identification, Intervention, Inclusion. The reason why a wide range of disorders falls under the umbrella term of autism is the majority of individuals who have been diagnosed as autistic experience difficulties in five main areas: academics, social interaction, emotional exploration, communication and physical abilities. It is also why educators must be patient and understanding when teaching autistic students.
Assessments are necessary in the development of a program of study. They can include informal assessments to determine social and emotional skills, daily organic assessments to determine appearance and demeanor, or standardized tests. Assessments will help you to determine where on the academic scale to place your student, what are the main areas of need and strengths, and what interests the student. Once you have completed your initial assessments you will be able to develop a program of study that incorporates activities from the five areas of difficulty mentioned above. This is key because, "If autism is diagnosed early, and intervention and treatment are started at an early age (depending on how severe the disorder is), the child may be able to overcome or lessen the impact of many of the symptoms," according to the authors.
Your program of study must be individualized. You are teaching a unique individual, who just happens to have more barriers to overcome than you could ever imagine. It is for this reason that you must keep three things in mind when developing a program of study.
Resources can be broken down into three categories: paper, technology and people.
People:
The key people resources are the parents/guardians of the student. Developing a working relationship with parents/guardians will assist in monitoring the progress of the student. They can become strong allies in ensuring an academic career that is filled with successes instead of failures.
Support workers fulfill three main functions: They assist the student in social situations, both inside the school and in the community; they serve as a bridge between teachers and parents/guardians; and they can assist teachers with difficult academic concepts that may not be readily grasped by students. They may also serve as an emotional stabilizer for the student during transitions. Developing a respectful relationship with support workers will assist both you and your student.
Due to the fact that autistic students have difficulty with communication, enlisting aid from speech therapists and librarians is key for both you and your student. The speech therapist can offer insight and support in mastering auditory language skills, and the librarian can offer support in the mastering of visual language skills.
Technology:
Never has there been a time when technological resources were so plentiful and so portable! If you take a look at the standard cellphone you will see that they come equipped with assistive technologies. One tool that falls under the heading of assistive technologies is an application that will talk for you. This means that a non-verbal student can type a message on his/her cellphone, press, "Speak," and the phone will speak for them! These students have access to their own, personal translator.
Another key device is the iPad. There are a plethora of applications and programs that can be downloaded (many for free) to assist students in the mastery of math, English, social skills and communication. Due to the nature of the iPad, anyone who uses it is also increasing their visual and spatial awareness, dexterity and fine-motor control.
Paper:
Once you have established a grade level for your student, invest in workbooks that meet both the grade level expectations and will assist in acquiring skills in various areas of need. For example, if the student experiences difficulty in language acquisition, utilize workbooks in the following key areas: grammar, spelling and phonics; reading–both fiction and factual; word searches and crosswords. Do not feel that developing an individualized program of study means that you need to develop all the paper resources for each autistic student in your class. In other words, it may not be necessary to reinvent the wheel.
Keeping these four basic steps in mind will ensure that both you and your student have a successful school year.
The step to Grade 9 is widely seen as unique, and it is. That said, the move to middle school is important, too. Perhaps even more so. [Read more]
