Autism In Schools

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Pages: 7

Whatever the setting, people with autism need inclusion and acceptance for who they are. Those with autism may display behaviors that are confusing, especially to children. In an elementary school, some peers are unclear about why a behavior is happening. People respond more positively when others understand them. This is especially true with young students in a school setting. Autism is difficult to understand; however, using picture books to explain it to young students will provide them with a better understanding of the behaviors, actions and different learning styles of their peers and show them how they can support their classmates with this diagnosis.
Autism is a developmental disorder with impairments in social interaction and both
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“There is an increase in the occurrence of children diagnosed with autism and the ongoing movement for inclusion in elementary classrooms” (Belcher and Maich). Belcher stated that “when the general public, including our school-aged children, is less realistically informed, naïve judgments may occur, which in reality may be challenged on a daily basis (Thiemann-Bourque). Myths and truths have been intertwined in the many representations of autism in literature and film and our attitudes are often conflicted” (Frith). This is true with many areas in life and the answer is to educate …show more content…
Activities using simple words and or clear scripted phrases for some students who speak very little or maybe nonverbal (Thiemann-Bourque). Another approach is the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), these pictures improve peer communication (Thiemann-Bourque). The child selects a picture or symbol to ask their peer for something such as a crayon or a toy. This is an easy and inexpensive system to create and it has resulted in improved communication (Thiemann-Bourque). In some cases, a “peer buddy” will be taught strategies to start communication, comment or respond using the pictures (Thiemann-Bourque). This motivates a strong desire for children with autism to understand, watch and imitate their peers (Thiemann-Bourque).
Another essential point, picture books do not specifically explain “autism” or use the word “autistic.” These books are not intended to single out one specific child, they are about playing with a classmate and accepting them for whom they are. The goal is to have a more positive outlook about differing abilities in an inclusive classroom (Sigmon). According to Sigmon the word “special” has been used to describe a child with autism. “Being special” is a label that can hurt