A Practical Guide for Teachers of Students With an Autism Spectrum Disorder in Secondary Education

by Costley, Debra; Keane, Elaine; Clark, Trevor; Lane, Kathie

• ISBN13: 9781849053105
• ISBN10: 1849053103
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2012-06-15
• Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Pub

Summary

Students on the autism spectrum often face difficulties in the secondary education environment that result from a lack of awareness on the part of their teachers and peers. This guide acquaints teachers with all the information and practical tools needed to understand and support their students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The book presents specific, ready-to-use classroom initiatives with example worksheets, checklists and timetables to help students keep organised with their school work. It also covers general obstacles such as social situations, anxiety, mental health issues and extracurricular activities and how adults can help. Guidance about the leaving school stage and how to ensure the teen is equipped to make the best possible decisions about their future is included. Packed with useful information and examples, this book will be a lifesaving resource for teachers, and everyone else working in secondary education, who want to help their students with autism to stay focused and positive at school.

Author Biography

Debra Costley, PhD is the General Manager of Education Development and Research at Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) where she manages the Aspect Educational Outreach team and the Research Unit, and is responsible for new developments in the education division. She has worked in special education, further and higher education both in the UK and Australia. Elaine Keane, PhD is a Coordinator for Aspect's Vern Barnett School, North Sydney. She is a special educator with extensive experience and knowledge of educational programmes and service provision for students with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) Rained over 30 years. Trevor Clark. PhD is the Director of Education and Research at Aspect and is currently responsible for the Aspect schools and research programmes. He is a special educator with over 25 years' experience in New Zealand, the UK and Australia. Kathie Lane is an Education Consultant for Aspect Educational Outreach. She now works mainly in mainstream schools in Sydney, supporting students on the autism spectrum.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements	p. 9
Preface	p. 11
Introduction	p. 13
What does the Practical Guide aim to achieve?	p. 13
Structure of the Practical Guide	p. 14
Notes on terminology	p. 15
Unravelling Autism Spectrum Disorder, Associated Features and Theories of Thinking and Learning
Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder and the Impact on the Student	p. 19
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?	p. 19
Prevalence	p. 19
Characteristics of ASD	p. 20
Learning Theories Associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder	p. 25
Theory of Mind	p. 25
Executive functioning	p. 26
Weak central coherence	p. 29
The Relationships of Learning Theories of the Triad of Impairments	p. 30
Implications of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Associated Features for High School Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Challenges in High Schools and their Impact on Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder	p. 33
Complexity of the learning environment	p. 33
Increased workload	p. 34
Pace of work	p. 34
Nature of teaching, learning and assessment	p. 35
Benefits of senior high school	p. 36
Learning Style and Scholastic Achievement	p. 38
Learning style	p. 38
Scholastic achievement	p. 43
Social Understanding and Peer Relationships	p. 45
Social development in ASD	p. 45
Adolescence, ASD and peer interaction	p. 46
Outcomes of social experiences for students with ASD	p. 48
How to Combat Common Obstacles Experienced by High School Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Suggestions and Strategies
A Framework for Inclusion	p. 53
Establishing PBS environments	p. 53
Transition to High School - Implications for Practice	p. 57
Planning	p. 57
Process: transition visits	p. 57
Follow-up: full-time enrolment	p. 58
The support team: facilitating inclusion	p. 58
Professional support	p. 61
Staff knowledge and training	p. 62
Promoting participation and scholastic achievement	p. 62
Class-wide Pedagogical Approaches	p. 64
Conducive learning conditions	p. 64
Instructional considerations	p. 65
Language and communication	p. 66
Teaching styles: a balanced approach	p. 68
Visually supported learning	p. 72
Practising new skills	p. 77
ASD-specific Approaches	p. 78
Helping students with planning and organization	p. 78
Establishing a Homework Centre at school	p. 84
Learning support	p. 87
Assignments and assessment tasks	p. 91
Tools for supporting the student's learning	p. 93
Individualized Learning/Education Plans	p. 95
Assessment and planning	p. 95
Curriculum	p. 99
Social Interaction and Socio-emotional Support	p. 102
Social support in the classroom	p. 102
Teaching social skills	p. 103
Promoting peer interaction	p. 105
Providing social opportunities	p. 107
Supporting friendship formation	p. 109
Anxiety, Emotional Support and Student Welfare	p. 112
Reducing and alleviating anxiety	p. 112
Preventive strategies	p. 114
Classroom support	p. 115
Individual plans and crisis support	p. 116
Intervention strategies	p. 117
Anxiety and peer interaction	p. 118
Emotional fragility and mental health	p. 120
Supporting Students in Senior High School Towards
Independence	p. 122
Learning support	p. 122
Relationships and wellbeing	p. 124
Post High School… Where to Next?
Planning for the Future	p. 129
The Causes of Autism Spectrum Disorder	p. 144
Resources	p. 146
Outline of Research Methods	p. 148
References	p. 149
Further Reading	p. 154
Subject Index	p. 156
Author Index	p. 158
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