Autism

Most experts agree that autism is not an emotional or behavioural disorder. Children with autism respond positively to intensive contingency management and cognitive behaviour management. 

Teachers have to maximise predictability in the classroom layout and weekly schedule. They have to use visual approaches to instruction and they have to insist on appropriate classroom behaviour. Teachers should foster social cognition and effective interpersonal skills. Students with autism spectrum disorders do not have characteristics such as low self-esteem, frequent absences from school. 

IEP is an individualized education program. Under IDEIA, schools must develop an Individualized Education Plan, a plan outlining curricula, educational modifications, and provision of services intended to enhance or improve the student’s academic, social, or behavioural skills. A multidisciplinary team called the IEP team, which consists of the student’s parents, teachers, the school psychologist, speech language pathologist, occupational therapist and reading specialist will help the student (Bohlin 2009).

The IEP is a written statement that the team continues to review and revise at least once a year. The advantages of having an IEP for every student with special needs are many. First, the student’s progress toward annual goals will be assessed and reports will be provided. Second, students can participate in extracurricular and other non-academic activities. And they can participate in general education with other students.