Education beating Autism

Earlier, itwas stated that children with autism have a desire to learn. Some would likely dispute that statement if they have worked with ‘difficult to motivate’ children with autism. Research into ways to appeal to and interest people with Introversion-Sensing-Thinking-Judging (ISTJ) preferences, conducted by Quenk (1993, 2000), provides us with some insight into motivating children with autism.

Things that motivate and energize children with autism closely follow their Learning Preferences and Strengths. Think about Introverts and their need for warm-up time, Sensers and their preference for gathering detailed information through their senses, Thinkers and their valuing logic and analytical approaches to making decisions, and Judgers and their preference for predictable settings and finishing tasks. Visual-Spatial learners are energized by use of visual images that are clear and precise. Musical-Rhythmic learners are motivated by songs, melodies and rhythms.

Below tasks could attract your children.

Before starting work with any child with autism, basic physiological needs must be addressed. Ensure that the child:
• has had sufficient sleep
• has eaten and continues to eat every two to three hours
• is wearing comfortable, dry clothing
• is warm or cool enough
• is not thirsty
• is feeling well.

Keep in mind that children with autism are particularly sensitive to these needs. Failure to attend to these can significantly reduce the child’s ability to learn.