The trouble with many schools is they are under increasing pressure to make students achieve top grades. As a result, children with autism or other individual educational needs can often get marginalized.
One teacher could spend an entire lesson with just a single child with autism or a class of 30+ students with no individual educational needs. But, they cannot do both.
When the COVID-19 pandemic first became widespread and, where possible, people had to stay at home, it also disrupted the education sector. Children had to get used to remote learning from home.
If your child is on the autism spectrum, you might feel they could gain a better education by getting home-schooled. That’s because they would get the focus and attention they need for their education.
However, can remote learning work for autistic students? In short, the answer is yes. Here’s why:
Set A Distance Learning Routine
As you know by now, having a set routine is essential for children on the autism spectrum. That’s why it makes sense to have a fixed or semi-flexible distance learning schedule, and doing so ensures that the day’s proceedings are predictable for your child.
For example, you should have set start times, break times, and end your child’s distance learning routine each day at the same time.
Work With Understanding Tutors
Next, you should ensure that the distance learning tutors your child has are friendly, understanding, and are also compassionate, and sympathetic.
Ideally, your child’s tutors should be teachers with relevant experience and qualifications working with children on the autism spectrum.
Focus On Subjects They Love
There will be some subjects that your child enjoys learning and others that aren’t a firm favorite. It’s a good idea to focus on the ones they love and help foster their appreciation for them.
If your child enjoys learning about musical instruments and playing them, working remotely with a special needs music tutor like Stephen Flinn is an excellent idea. Stephen, for example, is the only tutor in the USA that specializes in drum kit lessons for autistic children.
Manage Your Child’s Sensory Needs
When a child on the autism spectrum is at school, they get help managing their sensory needs during the day. You must ensure your child’s sensory needs get met when they learn from home with remote learning.
You’ll need to determine and incorporate the same requirements at home as your child receives from their school. For instance, your child may need 10-minute “quiet time” breaks every hour or “active time” like walking around your home between lessons.
Use A Visual Schedule For All Learning Routines
Last but not least, create a visual schedule for your child that depicts all learning routines. It’s an important point to consider because some children on the autism spectrum find it hard to transition from one activity to another.
You could take a picture of your child’s learning environment at home and place that next to the time their schooling begins each day. You might also wish to add photos of each activity and attach them next to each lesson as a visual aid.
