Teaching Strategies for Autistic Students

Abstract

This article explores teaching and the educational environment with the Autistic student in mind. It begins by approaching the medical and social models of disability and discussing the implications of their use in an educational setting, focusing on why a social model of disability best supports the learning of Autistic and neurodivergent students in order to be as inclusive as possible in the education setting. The article then goes into detail on the strategies found within the support tiers of Communication, Visual Aide, and Environment in a classroom setting to bolster the success of Autistic and neurodivergent students. This includes a comprehensive breakdown of best ways to support students in these areas, and why this is important. Focussing on the idea that all behavior is communication, the article discusses the importance of inclusivity in the classroom, and preserving the agency of Autistic students. This article aims to give educators the tools they need to support students who are Autistic and neurodivergent, so that they are experiencing less stress and an improved school experience across their learning journey.