School is one of the most important times in a child’s life, and for many children on the autism spectrum, it can be a difficult place to navigate. The loud noises, echoing hallways, humming fluorescent lights, and strong smells can all be hard on an autistic child’s sense of balance and sensory processing.

However, the right education environment can help an autistic child develop to their fullest potential and lead a happy, healthy, and productive life. Whether a student’s education needs are best served in a regular classroom or in an specialized program, parents should work with their child’s teachers and other support professionals to find a setting that is both comfortable and beneficial for him or her.

Specialized Schools for Children with Autism

Some children with autism have severe behavioral and emotional needs that make it difficult for them to manage in a traditional classroom setting. These students may need a residential school, where they receive specialized education and care for the entire day, as well as evening and weekend visits from their parents. Wanting additional visit trường dạy trẻ tự kỷ

These residential schools are staffed by nurses, doctors, teachers and other experts who have been specially trained to work with children on the autism spectrum. They can provide a wide range of services, including medication management, psychiatric evaluation and treatment, speech therapy, and occupational and physical therapy.

Often, a residential school will have special-needs classrooms with smaller class sizes and teachers who have received training in specialized instructional strategies to serve children on the autism spectrum. This allows the teacher to be more responsive to individual students’ learning styles, which can lead to a more positive learning experience for everyone.

Nonverbal Communication

Autistic kids communicate primarily through body language, facial expressions and tone of voice. You can learn to recognize these nonverbal signals and connect with your child more effectively if you pay attention to the way they move their bodies, what they do when they’re tired or hungry, and how they react to specific situations.

The school also incorporates a variety of behavior analytic strategies to teach kids new skills and increase socially validated behaviors. This is an evidence-based approach, and the teachers at NECC have been trained in its use.

Inclusion

Inclusion in a regular classroom is an option for some children with autism, but it can be a challenge for those who are non-verbal, very anxious or likely to act out when stressed. It’s often difficult for kids with autism to be in a standard classroom without the support of a dedicated special education aide.

Taking a Different Approach to Teaching

Another option is to use a teaching method known as positive behavior support instead of eliminating problem behaviors. This strategy is designed to teach kids with autism how to replace their behavior with appropriate social skills. It’s a proven approach that helps children with autism feel more connected to their peers and teachers, and it can be used in a wide variety of educational settings.