Transforming chaos into order...
Today I took part in a workshop exploring the challenges faced by children with autism - or to use the correct terminology, on the autistic spectrum... but that's only the start of the problem. Not only are people unsure of the 'correct' label but a lot of people have never had an insight into the challenges faced by people on coping with an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD).
On a personal level, my godson has recently been diagnosed (? identified ?) as having ASD at the age of 10. Has it made a difference? At this stage, no. He is still the interesting little, or not so little now, boy as he has always been. In his case it has just explained the reason for his melt downs and opened the door to discussion about strategies for coping.
The session today worked via drama. A wonderful theatre group - Spectrum Bulletin, delivered the workshop. The team successfully drew a lot of wary trainee teachers into drama scenario's, asking us to react to the autistic child (whom they were portraying) as we would in a classroom. The unique thing about this group was that three out of the four facilitators were on the spectrum, with a fourth lady who exhibited many classic behaviours. They proceded via drama and discussion to share with us their own experiences, and the very small changes that teachers are able to make to their own practice which can literally change the life of an autistic child. Something as simple as introducing yourself to a child when you first enter the classroom as a stranger can make such a difference!
The session was filled with scenario's which were thought provoking and at times, very moving. The main points that I have gleaned from this session are:
Keep instructions concise and clear
Only give one instruction at a time - or write down a list that can be followed
Get to know your children - they are individuals and should be treated as such
Plan strategies for meltdowns before they happen - because they will!
Work closely with the parents/care-givers - they usually know their children best
The drama was very helpful as it made me ,as a trainee, think about how I would try to diffuse, or avoid the meltdown scenario but in a safe environment - where if we got it wrong, no harm would be done.
One of the challenges that people with autism face is sensory overload. Below is a video made by The National Autistic Society which illustrates what a simple shopping trip can be like for a child with autism.
Although this was not shown today, the drama and workshop tasks ensured we could comprehend this experience and daily challenge experienced by the person with autism.
The points listed above are not brain surgery - they are in fact good teaching practice. There is no need to single out the child or change your teaching approach 'just for them'. The strategies that help children with autism, help all children - they are inclusive strategies and organised teacher, such as having a seating plan or preplanned group structures - maybe using Kagan groups. In my opinion this workshop should be rolled out across the whole cohort of education trainees at Edge Hill, though I am but a lowly trainee...
SMART Target: learn more about typical behaviours and related coping strategies by the start of Year 2.