Unit 3-How to help students with Autism
Apply knowledge of research to a real situation through the creation of a plan for teaching students with autism.
When planning for a student with a disability in your classroom, one of the first things that should be obtained is the student’s Individualized Educational Program (IEP). An IEP is initially set up once an individual is first diagnosed. Each year an IEP team is responsible for conducting a review of the students IEP to ensure that they are meeting goals and/or making progress on the benchmarks laid out for each objective. A students IEP will give you a good idea of what accommodations you need to make for your student and what type of things they struggle with. Please take a moment to look at this sample IEP, you can use this to help create an appropriate lesson plan for a classroom that included this student.
http://www.sagepub.com/gargiulo4e/study/resources/plans/88919_siep.pdf
Next, it is important to get to know the student on a personal level. What are their likes and dislikes? Do they have a favorite hobby? What is their family life like and can you expect extra support from them if needed? Knowing these kinds of things can help you to develop a more specific plan that will work best for that student. Read the chapter in Knowing our students as learners to find out the importance of knowing who your students are.
http://www.ascd.org/publications/books/111011/chapters/Knowing-Our-Students-as-Learners.aspx
- Why is it important to create a safe environment and how do you think this might be done?
- How might you "adjust your sails" to help Morgan to learn?
- Are there emotional influences which may be effecting Morgan's learning?
After talking with Morgan, you find out that she has a passion for computers and enjoys playing video games. Morgan has been learning how to use a computer art program to draw and dreams of being a graphics designer for her favorite video game company. Morgan’s mother is very supportive and willing to help with her child’s education, but as a single parent with two other children she often finds it difficult to find time to help as much as she would like. Morgan occasionally feels lonely and finds it difficult to make friends. She is highly aware that her disability stands between herself and others and has expressed resentment of it.
Now that you know a little bit about Morgan, create a lesson plan which is inclusive. Your plan must include:
· a time frame
· what is required to make your plan successful
· what standards are being met
· a rationale
· an outline of your plan
· what accommodations were taken.
Reflecting on the lesson plan
Did you find it easy or difficult to create a lesson plan including a student with autism? The internet has a wide variety of tools, tips, and tricks to help you create your lesson plans and accommodations. But be warned! When looking online make sure that you research any accommodations to see if there is more information out there. Do not fall into the trap of using an accommodation because it’s popular, despite it being proven ineffective. In addition, never forget that you have an ally in your special education teacher. They are there to help make your inclusive classroom a success, and can offer personalized advice that you cannot receive from a computer. With their help and your new found knowledge you should be prepared to offer the best learning environment possible for your students with ASD.
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