Autism Spectrum Disorders
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how a person communicates, interacts, and experiences the world. It is called a “spectrum” because individuals with ASD can have a wide range of strengths and challenges. Common traits include difficulty with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests. Some may also have sensory sensitivities.
- Challenges in articulation, language processing, and expressing thoughts clearly
- Difficulties in following directions, frequent grammatical errors, and disorganised expression
- Increased anxiety in speaking situations, particularly those requiring instant responses
- Difficulties in communicating effectively, which may lead to lower self-esteem
- Check with students to know their preferred communication style, whether it's verbal, written, or visual
- Use clear and direct language; avoid jargon and complex sentences
- Be patient and give students ample time to express themselves
- Practice active listening by giving full attention and responding thoughtfully
- Repeat using your own words to ensure you understand what the student is saying
- Use visual aids to support verbal communication
- Offer students additional time to process information and respond during discussions
- Assist students by matching them with patient and understanding peers, if necessary
- Allow audio/video recordings of lectures for revision
- Allow the use of assistive aids (e.g. real-time captioning, speech-to-text software)
- Repeat instructions and provide verbal and visual cues
- Provide learning materials prior to class to enable early preparation
- Discuss special learning and exam arrangements privately with students.
- Encourage students to express their needs and preferences regarding accommodations
- Consider flexibility in time and format for assignments and tests
- Allow extended time for exams (recommended by professionals)
- Provide alternative assessment formats (e.g. video recording of oral presentations)
- Adapt grading criteria to focus on content and understanding rather than language proficiency
- Arrange a separate room for exams/tests to minimise distractions if possible
