Effective Educational Practices for Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders

TLDR

Students with ASD pose unique instructional challenges, yet research on effective practices has rarely been integrated into a curricular framework for school districts. The article outlines six empirically supported core elements and illustrates them with specific instructional practices for students with ASD. The six core elements—individualized supports, systematic instruction, structured learning environments, specialized curriculum, functional approach to problem behavior, and family involvement—constitute the basis of the instructional program.

Abstract

Students With autism spectrum disorders (ASD) present unique challenges to educators trying to plan effective instructional programs. Although an impressive body of research identifying effective practices has emerged, there have been minimal attempts to integrate the findings into a curricular foundation to be adopted by school districts. This article provides a description of 6 core elements that have empirical support and should be included in any sound, comprehensive instructional program for students With ASD. These core elements are (a) individualized supports and services for students and families, (b) systematic instruction, (c) comprehensible/structured learning environments, (d) specialized curriculum content, (e) functional approach to problem behavior, and (f) family involvement. This article provides illustrations of the core elements in the form of specific instructional practices that have been demonstrated to be effective With students With ASD.