13th November 2017

Special education is gaining momentum as people are becoming more and more concerned about it. Global classrooms are turning into inclusive ones that aids in the increased social initiations, relationships and networks. Special education teacher training addresses a number of problems which includes Autism. Other than proper guidance and support, an autistic child also requires ways to increase their social skills and interact with others. So, before moving our focus on to the topic, let us first get some idea regarding autism.

What exactly is Autism?

Autism or autism spectrum disorder refers to a series of conditions that are characterised by problems with social skills, repetitive behaviours, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths and differences. It is a complex neurobiological, developmental disorder that is typically diagnosed in childhood and often lasts throughout a person's lifetime. It is now known to us that there are various other types of autism as well that are caused by varied combinations of genetic, hereditary and environmental influences. The term ‘spectrum’ refers to the broad variation in challenges and strengths possessed by those suffering from autism. The symptoms tend to appear between the ages of 2-3 and in some cases, it can be diagnosed as early as 18 months. Few delays with respect to development, related to Autism, can be identified and dealt with even earlier. Proper identification and early intervention can result in positive outcomes.

An autistic child has to face a lot of difficulty with a daily based sensory stimulation. This can be anything related to noise, touch, taste or a variety of senses. The surrounding around a child suffering from autism is likely to cause anxiousness. Other than affecting the child, the anxiousness also affects the way the childcare provider engages them in a daily basis learning activities.  Normally there are three main areas that create difficulty for autistic people are social communication, social interaction and social imagination. Autistic children struggle to form friendships or to build relation with their environment. Autism Training Courses use activities to connect an autistic child with their immediate environment along with the people in it. A number of activities are there that increases the social skills and builds a strong bond with their environment. We need to remember that each child is unique and a variety of ideas needs to be put into use to keep the child engaged.

Fun activities for children with Autism

·         Shredded Flower Bouquet

This innovative activity involves ripping and tearing up paper to make a colourful artwork that makes a great gift or decoration. Children with special needs are going to love, especially the sensory experience of handling paper and manipulating colours and shapes.

·         Paint with Ice

Kids enjoy swirling melting paint on paper and create beautiful designs. By doing so, they will brush up on their colour recognition and observation skills and at the same time watching the paint go from a liquid state to a solid state, then back to liquid again!

·         Paint Chip Storytelling

Telling a story is similar to painting a picture, using words and paint. In this creative activity, the child uses paint chips and words to create a story. The activity can be modified according to the level of the child, and you can spark his/her imagination and narrative abilities while having a colourful good time.