PDD (Pervasive Development Disorder): Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome
-Teaching generalization is difficult- teach literally and use multiple example to enforce
-Focus on child’s interests and entertain them (Trains in Math, Trains in English, if they like trains, use them as an entry point to teach the overall concept)
-Use technology to teach
-Interpretation is literal by autistic students- Be literal to avoid misinterpretation, avoid idioms
-Enhance appropriate behaviors while decreasing inappropriate behaviors
-Students have difficulty with organizational skills- strategies include giving assignments at home using small, specific steps
-Students have problems with abstract and conceptual thinking- strategies include: visual cues, drawings, written words, avoid essay-type questions, be concrete
-Avoid verbal overload
-Uneven skills development is a hallmark of autism, for example, a math whiz may not be able to make change out of a cash register- so be cautious and aware of this when making assignments!