(Check out the Autism Discussion Page which is described as "This page was developed by Bill Nason, MS, LLP to discuss tools that
help children on the spectrum feel safe, accepted and competent.
Although each child is different, with their unique strengths and
challenges, their are some common strategies that can strengthen the
social, emotion, and cognitive security for most children on the
spectrum. Come learn, share, and support.)
Found this on Facebook and want to share it here because it is VERY
important information for anyone with Processing Disabilities:
2. Let the child pace their performance. We cannot push them faster than their brains can process. If we do, the brain panics and reacts in “fight or flight.” I see this all the time. We are constantly trying to speed these kids up, pushing them faster than they can process.
3. Shorten your words! Provide very short, concrete directions. Use short phrase and sentences with only the main point. Many of the children have auditory processing problems. The longer the sentences, the more words, the more chances the information will get jumbled and difficult to sort out what is important. Only use the important words, getting to the point.
4. Use visuals whenever possible. Demonstrate (model) what you want. Give visual directions. Write out a couple of directions for school topics, instead of verbal directions. Words are fleeting, whereas written instructions are constant and can be easily referenced.
5. Break it down, slow it down. Break tasks down into parts, and give them sequentially. If possible give them a checklist to mark off as they do each step. DO NOT expect them to multitask! Allow them extra time to get it done, but let them finish! It is important to be able to finish one task before going to another.
6. Give the student outlines, laying out the important points so the student can better categorize the information you are giving them. A simple outline will highlight to them what information is important to focus on, and giving them mental “files” for categorizing, organizing, and storing the information.
7. If possible “preview” the learning ahead of time, to give a mental framework of what is being presented. Many of the children have difficulty sorting out the relevant information from the irrelevant. This highlights the areas of importance to help direct their attention, and gives them a frame of reference to organize the information.
8. Allow the child to use their preferred way of communicating what they know. Many of the children have problems writing. If that is the case, let them give verbal answers. If you require them to write, they cannot think about how to write, and what to write about at the same time. If you want to find out what they know, let them pick the medium of expression.
9. Allow the child plenty of breaks. Learning and socializing is extremely taxing. Provide exposure in small portion so that it does not drain their mental energy.
(Check out the Autism Discussion Page which is described as "This page was developed by Bill Nason, MS, LLP to discuss tools that help children on the spectrum feel safe, accepted and competent. Although each child is different, with their unique strengths and challenges, their are some common strategies that can strengthen the social, emotion, and cognitive security for most children on the spectrum. Come learn, share, and support.)
A lot of these tips could help all kinds of kids, and adults too, in addition to people with special needs. Great find, Tammy!
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