AN EXPLORATION OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM AND HOW THEY LEARN

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the brain regions responsible for people's communication and social skills. In children, this condition may also impact their access to mainstream education and their ability to learn together with their peers without ASD. There is a need to develop a unique approach to teaching each child on the spectrum. Parents and teachers are the key adults that play a significant role in facilitating ASD children’s learning. Their understanding of how to teach these children is very crucial. This study was inspired by the researcher’s desire to understand the interaction between ASD children, their parents and their teachers .

The overarching aim of this research is to understand how children with ASD learn in home and preschool settings. To achieve this aim, the research was designed to review existing literature about the strategies used to teach children with ASD; the effectiveness of those strategies; and the parents’ and teachers' perspective on teaching ASD children.

Qualitative research was conducted to critically analyse the existing literature about ASD children’s learning. There are three key findings that arose from this study. One of the findings suggests that Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH) is one of the key strategies for teaching ASD children. Another key finding suggests the collaboration between parents and teachers is crucial for ASD children to learn effectively. The third key learning from the study is the impact of digital tablet device in enhancing ASD children's learning.