How to Teach Your Autistic Students About Their Autism
About one in 36 children are being diagnosed with autism. While there’s better awareness and acceptance, some parents might find it difficult to discuss autism with their autistic child.
As a special education teacher, what can you do to help? How can you make sure that this topic is discussed with sensitivity and understanding? What is the right approach to ensure your students feel supported and empowered?
Continue reading to discover the strategies and tips to help you explain autism to your students in a way that’s positive, clear, and easy to understand. Let’s dive in and make this journey easier for you and your students!
Start Early
Children are perceptive and are often aware that they’re different even before they can explain it. That’s why they should be taught about disabilities from a young age, and if they are disabled, they should know.
When students learn about autism and neurodiversity early on, it helps normalize the condition and helps them feel good about themselves. Imagine if kids grow up understanding that there are lots of different neurotypes, just like how there are lots of different bodies, and there is not one “right” way to be.
There would be a lot less masking, and less depression and anxiety. Children who receive intervention at an earlier age tend to have higher self-esteem and better self-regulation and self-advocacy skills. They understand why they are a certain way, which helps them feel more confident and capable.
Make Autism Understandable
When talking to your students about autism, start by teaching the concept of neurodiversity, which means we are acknowledging that all brains are different, and those differences are not a negative thing.
Since everyone has different learning styles, you can mix up your teaching methods and practice differentiation in your classroom. For example, you can show an animated video that talks about autism, do a fun activity, or have a discussion.
In addition, make sure that you teach using words that are easy to understand and are appropriate for your students’ age.Another way to teach them about autism is through lived experiences of autistic people. This helps them see that being autistic is nothing to be ashamed of. By talking about it openly, we make sure everyone feels safe and proud of who they are.
Communicate with Parents
How do you ensure that the parents are comfortable and consenting to discussions about their child’s autism?
It’s important to talk with parents first to understand what they’ve already shared with their child about autism and disability. Know how they talk about it at home and if their child knows they have autism.
If a student doesn’t know they are autistic, ask the parents if they want to talk about it first or if they want to do it with you at school together. Let the parents know that talking openly about autism helps take away any shame or stigma.
Parents are your best partners in making the students understand their autism. Make sure you talk to them often so they can help their child at home too.
Have a Positive, Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach
Always talk about autism in a positive, neurodiversity-affirming way. This means using the right key phrases or terms and having a discussion without shame.
When explaining autism to your autistic students, use key terms like neurodiversity, neurodivergent, and neurotype. Ask your students if they prefer person-first or identity-first language.
If they’re not sure, using identity-first language is a good start! It’s important to know that saying “autistic” is not a bad thing. Let your students know that being autistic is just one of the many ways to be human. The more we talk about it in general, the less shame there is!
Be Ready for Different Responses
Every student reacts differently when they learn about their autism, and it’s important to meet them where they’re at.
You may have students who feel happy and relieved about being able to be open about their disability with their classmates. They might start connecting their behaviors to their autism, asking more questions, or gaining a greater understanding of the behavior of their classmates. These should all be encouraged!
Other students might not show much interest or don’t care much about the topic. Since they are more likely more interested in other topics, dealing with them can be challenging. But it can still be done!
For these students, teach them in small, simple steps, the same way you’d teach them any topic they struggle to attend to.
Some students might feel sad or ashamed about their autism. They might have experienced bullying or feel like it’s harder for them to make friends. These students need extra support.
You can follow up with their parents and therapists, and keep checking in on them.
Some students might feel sad or ashamed about their autism. They might have experienced bullying or feel like it’s harder for them to make friends. These students need extra support. Talk with their parents and therapists to find the best ways to help them. Keep checking in with these students to make sure they feel supported and understood.
Every child is unique, and their reactions will vary. Be patient, supportive, and flexible. Whether they are curious, indifferent, or upset, your understanding and support will help them feel safe and valued.
Use Social Stories
Social stories are a great way to help autistic students understand their autism. They’re short and easy to understand, using clear language and familiar situations. How can you use them to teach about autism?
You can create social stories on different levels for students, either in written format with visuals or as a video. Check out this social narrative video about autism!
You can also use a lesson resource about autism that includes social stories, like this Autism & Me Social Narrative Lesson! It’s editable so you can change the examples and activities to fit each student perfectly.
Social stories can be shared one-on-one with students because this makes it easier to focus on their individual needs.
But if you have a small group of autistic students who feel comfortable talking about their autism with each other, you can go through the stories together. This can even help them learn from each other’s experiences!
Educate Their Peers
It’s very important for all students to have a better understanding of neurodiversity, disabilities, and autism. This helps create a classroom where everyone feels included and respected.
Explain these topics in a way that’s easy for them to understand, and encourage them to be kind and supportive. There are different ways to do this, such as:
- Talking about the misconceptions or negative beliefs about autism and reframing them with facts
- Inviting an autistic speaker into your class to share their lived experience
- Showing posters and biographies of famous people who are autistic
- Creating a craft
- Having a bulletin board
- Celebrating autism acceptance
You can also have a lesson about autism in one of your classes. This Autism Acceptance & Awareness lesson bundle can be a big help. It’s an interactive lesson with activities, worksheets, handouts, and more!
Foster Self-Awareness and Self-Advocacy
Fostering self-awareness and self-advocacy in autistic students is very important, and you can do this through your teaching methods.
First, help your students understand their strengths and challenges by talking with them about what they are good at and what they find difficult. This helps them become more aware of themselves.
You can also teach them how to communicate their needs and feelings. Practice this through role-playing activities, where they can safely practice asking for help or explaining how they feel.
Additionally, encourage them to set small, achievable goals and celebrate their successes, because this builds their confidence.
By providing a supportive and understanding environment, you help your autistic students learn to speak up for themselves and understand their own needs better.
Teaching autistic students about their autism needs kindness, understanding, and teamwork. Even though it can be challenging, you can help autistic students feel confident and proud. This approach makes the whole classroom a better place for everyone.
