How can we make our schools nurturing for all students?
As an elementary school educator, my classroom is fairly typical because I have students with a significant range of learning needs. Every child is unique and requires customized learning opportunities to best meet their learning style.
Meeting the needs of all students, especially individuals with autism, can be exacting. These challenges are significantly pronounced if critical supports are not in place.
Sensory overload, communication challenges and social missteps are all very common experiences for individuals with autism. Some students with autism are particularly sensitive to environmental factors (lighting, noise, smell) and may not be able to control their emotional responses. Teachers often make multiple attempts to help the student regulate, all while maintaining the classroom structure.
Even the most effective and esteemed teacher can be unsure of how to properly aid students with autism. Classroom supports that have shown to help with sensory overload include visual schedules and maintaining a routine. These are considered key components for fostering a feeling of safety within the classroom and creating an environment conducive to learning for all students.
According to Dr. LaShell Dauterman of the Dayton Autism Society, a “sensory room” is one of the best ways to address the needs of individuals with autism. A properly equipped sensory room includes tools for creating physical stimuli to help students calm their minds and bodies, ease tension and manage stress, overstimulation and frustration.
Another cornerstone in ensuring helpful sensory development is parent and educator partnerships. These partnerships play an overwhelmingly pivotal role in ensuring that the child’s needs are being met to foster growth in all areas. Dr. Dauterman and I agree that educators must respect the voice of the parent and be open to the suggestions and recommendations they provide to help educate their child. Parents know what works best for their child It is imperative that both teacher and parent are on the same page. This collaboration is central to building a firm foundation that connects home and school and builds the skills the student needs to be successful.
April is Autism Acceptance Month, and we are all working to create a world where everyone is accepted, supported, and connected on all levels. Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurological disorder that impacts families on various levels and creates unique experiences that can be challenging and lead to misunderstanding, but can also be extremely rewarding for all involved. Our role as educators is to learn more about ASD so that we can provide students with the greatest amount of care and understanding and ensure that they have the best educational journey possible.
The most important component of this journey is to remember that parents are a critical part of the team. Making and maintaining these connections allows for intentional conversations that yield a more successful outcome for all students, but especially for our students with autism.