Expert: James Michael Roan - 8/29/2006

Question
I will be teaching autistic preschoolers art, music and physical education one day a week this year. There are four students, one head teacher and two aids. The children are on the less severe end of the autistic spectrum. Can you direct me to some resource manuals or websites that can give me lessons appropriate for these students?

Answer
Hi Peg;

It is more important for you to understand the abilities of each student in terms of receptive and expressive language as well as intellectual ability. Generally, higher functioning children with autism have very low receptive language and stronger visual skills. Cognitive ability correlates highly with adaptive behavior, so your psychologist can provide a measure of adaptive behavior/cognitive development using a Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale or Scales of Independent Behavior-Revised to give you an estimate of cognitive functioning.

There is no "one-size-fits-all" curriculum that I can recommend to you. Managing their behavior will be the most difficult. First learn about their sensory development by understanding what sensory stimuli they seek and those they avoid. You can use a Sensory Profile (by Winnie Dunn) for this. Ask your OT for one and have Mom fill it out. Next, make sure you establish routine and stick to it. I suggest you buy the pdf. version of "Educating Children with Autism" by the National Academy Press. It's searchable and will give you just about everything you need to work with your kids. Good luck.

Kind Regards,
James