Using Visual Organizers and Technology: Supporting Executive Function, Abstract Language Comprehension, and Social Learning

Abstract

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be at a disadvantage in the classroom in terms of understanding abstract language and concepts, executive functioning, and social expectations that facilitate learning. There is much that a teacher can do in the classroom to help an individual with ASD. Through social stories, visual supports, and graphic organizers, individuals on die spectrum can better meet the academic demands that are placed upon them. These are tools that do not require intensive training and are not time-consuming, but they can greatly improve the educational experience for an individual with ASD. Technology is readily available to make implementation of these interventions easier than ever before, with the added bonus of more frequent access to intervention and increased social validity. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)