Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a complex neurological and developmental condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, interacts with others, and experiences their environment.  It is a lifelong disability that starts when a person is born and stays with them into old age.

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Key characteristics of autism include:

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• Challenges with social skills, communication, and interaction with others.

• Restricted interests and repetitive behaviors.

• Sensory processing differences.

• Uneven pattern of thinking abilities.

• Difficulty with changes in routine and transitions.

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Autism is considered a spectrum disorder because the type and severity of symptoms can vary widely between individuals. Some autistic people have intellectual disabilities, while others do not. The level of support needed also varies from person to person.

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About 1 in 70 people worldwide are autistic. and is diagnosed more often in boys than girls. While the exact causes are not fully understood, research suggests a combination of genetic and environmental factors play a role.

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Autism is increasingly being seen as a different way of thinking and experiencing the world rather than a disorder.

Here are some key ways to support numeracy and literacy development for students with autism:

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Use Visual Supports and Manipulatives

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• Provide concrete materials, visual aids, and hands-on activities to develop numeracy skills.  Use movable parts, such as letter tiles, graphic organizers, semantic maps, and visual schedules to support reading and writing

• Break Down Concepts into Smaller Steps

• Present information in manageable chunks and provide step-by-step instructions.  

• Break complex skills into logical steps to facilitate procedural learning.

 

Incorporate Special Interests and Strengths

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• Integrate the student's special interests into math problems and activities. Connect learning to real-world applications and examples.

 

Provide Clear Instructions and Expectations

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• Use simple language, visual supports, and verbal/written reminders.

• Establish clear routines, schedules, and behavioral expectations.

 

Offer Choices and Self-Regulation Opportunities

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• Allow students to express their knowledge through multiple means.

• Empower students to actively participate and self-monitor their learning.

 

Engage Multiple Senses

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• Use rhythm, music, and touch to emphasize concepts like syllables and rhyming. Incorporate hands-on activities, games, and interactive experiences.

 

Provide Positive Reinforcement and Feedback

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• Give positive precise encouragement for progress and effort. Provide immediate feedback and progress tracking.

 

The key is using a multimodal, structured approach that incorporates the student's interests, provides choices, and creates a predictable, visually-supported environment. By addressing the unique needs of students with autism, educators can help them develop strong numeracy and literacy skills and reach their full potential.