Autism Education
For most children with autism, education and learning does not follow the same path as typical developing children. This is to say that they do not learn by observation and imitation. Research shows that autistic children do not have the mechanism to learn the way other children learn how to communicate, play, behave and respond to other stimuli. In other words, they must "learn how to learn". So what is required for a child with autism, is education that is highly structured and tailor-made for the child since each child has unique needs.
Autism Education
As regards treatment of autism, education of the affected children as well as of parents and teachers is the preferred method of addressing autism. Treatment by education may be defined as "fostering the acquisition of skills or knowledge - including not only academic learning, but also socialization, adaptive skills, language and communication, and reduction of behavior problems-to assist a child to develop independence and personal responsibility"[1]. The educational approach to treatment of autism has as its basis, the understanding that an autistic child requires to be taught basic skills (eating, bathing, etc.), acquire control over body movements as well as learn to control self-injuring or aggressive behavior.
The Education Act of All Handicapped Children assumed the responsibility for autism education in 1975. It is a matter of some concern that the goals, resources and methodologies vary between states and even within school systems. Rumsey et al (2000) have published a large amount of research relating to autism education but the policy at both the local and state levels does not substantially incorporate it into its educational decision-making.
Some other approaches to autism education are :
Behavioral modification which are used to address self-injurious, aggressive and repetitive behavior in autism. Education of parents to help them acquire the necessary skills in handling their children.In most cases, the behavior modification is based on the premise that behavior that is rewarded is most likely to be repeated and this approach is also called the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) approach.
Sensory integration therapy is another approach to modification of behavior in autism education and its focus lies on helping an autistic patient to handle sensory stimulation by getting the patient to listen to different sounds or handle various materials. This de-sensitization helps the patient to oversome the stress normally generated in an a type of behavior modification that focuses on helping autistic patients cope with sensory stimulation. Treatment may include having the patient handle materials with different textures or listen to different sounds.
Play therapy is used as a part of autism education to improve the emotional development of the child and this, in turn, helps the child develop social skills which most autistic patients lack.
Communication therapy is a method used to start language development in young children suffering from autism. Education of the child using this method also inculcates verbal communication and enables the child to speak to peers and adults.
Another very effective autism education methodology uses pictures that represent ideas to convey ideas, actions or items.This method, called Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), has been found very effective in enabling the autistic patient to communicate needs, requests or desires to others by handing over a picture representing that thing.
References
1. Educating Children with Autism, National Academy Press; 1st edition (October 2001), Pg 12.