Autism Teaching Resources

What is Autism?

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in language development, social interaction, and social communication. Autism is considered a spectrum disorder as it affects each person differently and to varying degrees. Some disorders that fall under the autism spectrum are Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome, and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder.

Autism symptoms typically appear before the age of three, during the early childhood stage. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Common behaviors associated with autism include:

• Lack or delay of language
• Sensitivity to light, sound, or temperature
• Difficulty communicating wants and needs
• Repetitive language
• Little or no eye contact
• Repetitive motor mannerisms, such as hand flapping
• Intense and highly-focused interests

Recent reports show that in the United States, 1 in 68 children (1 in 42 boys; 1 in 189 girls) are diagnosed with ASD.

Strategies for Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Teachers need to understand autism and its effects on learning in order to better support the needs of students on the autism spectrum. One way to do this is to utilize our Autism Awareness Day resources to create a special lesson!

Based on a child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan, special education teachers and general education inclusion teachers must provide adequate accommodations or modifications for autistic students. Strategies to consider when teaching students with autism include:

• Providing a structured classroom routine
• Repeating instructions and checking for understanding
• Keeping oral directions short and simple
• Using visual aids, such as graphs and charts
• Using appropriate technology and computer-based programs
• Teaching social skills, like taking turns and hand raising
• Being aware of environmental triggers, such as loud noises or bright lights
• Allowing for breaks throughout the day

Resources for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Ensure students receive appropriate accommodations and meet their IEP goals with VocabularySpellingCity’s learning resources.

We cater to the needs of students with autism with our 40+ learning games and activities that:

• Appeal to different types of learners. Children can see, hear, break down, and play with words
• Allow them to work at their own pace
• Provide audio cues and visual aids
• Offer choice over their learning

“My son, who is on the autism spectrum, loves VocabularySpellingCity. He has trouble with letter and number size and formation, so I gave him the printout in which you can trace the word. He’s so happy and has a renewed hope that ‘I can’t write’ will become ‘I can write.’ We are also using VocabularySpellingCity with our nonverbal 5-year-old. We take words we want her to learn to say and make a spelling list with them. When the game spells and reads it to her, she is starting to repeat the word. How cool is that?!” – Dana D.