Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders Chapter Three
goal may be even more important for students with disabilities such
as ASD because they have significant difficulties in acquiring
independent functioning skills. Educators use a variety of models for
teaching the domains of functional skills.
Although models differ in some ways, they usually include five skill
areas:
• domestic, or self-care
• functional academics
• vocational, or job skills
• social, including leisure skills
• community life skills, including travel and using services
Schools and families should co-ordinate the planning of instruction
for functional skills, so that instruction at both home and school is
consistent and efficient. Some of these skills involve the most personal
areas of an individual’s life, so sensitivity and care are required in
planning with parents or other caregivers. An occupational therapist
is a valuable resource person in these areas.
Teaching self-care
The same kinds of instructional strategies used to teach communication
or social skills can be applied to instruction in the areas of self-care
(i.e., visual strategies, social stories, etc.). Students with ASD,
particularly those who also have intellectual disabilities, may need direct
instruction in personal hygiene, grooming, and dressing. Toileting can
be an area requiring significant planning and instruction. Planning meals,
food preparation, and even eating may be an appropriate part of a
student’s program. Household skills required for living independently
(e.g., doing laundry, caring for clothing, and cleaning) may be taught
or reinforced in the school program. Handling money and budgeting
are essential skills for older students. The school and families will need
close collaboration to plan for these skills to be taught.
Teaching functional academics
Applying the basic academic skills of reading, writing, and
mathematics to real life situations is an important area of functional
skill development for many students with ASD. Students need to learn
how to:
Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders 49