Thoughts on Autism

I have worked with teenagers who have been on the autistic spectrum for the last 26 years.  I am very familiar with how to work with these students and I have found several ways that have been very successful.  The first step is to set up a structure/routine that they can expect on a moment to moment basis, the more specific the better.  If this routine is going to change, make sure you give the student lots of notice, never just drop it on them, change is really hard.  Make sure you understand the person’s strength and weaknesses and always work with their strength’s first and then help them develop their weaknesses.  Provide a very quiet environment and if possible provide tools to block out noise, like noise reducing headphones.  They can even listen to an ipod and use calming music to help them focus.  The best suggestion is get them working with a therapist to help them learn new social skills.  Social skill groups also work well, especially when the students are allowed to role play.  Practice makes perfect.  Make sure all the adults involved understand the student’s issues and all work from the same type of structure.

Good luck and I can be reached at www.davidowenmiller.com if you have any other questions.