How do autistic kids work in groups?

Question

I would like to no what are the hardest acitivities in which an autisitc children would have participating in?

Answer 1

Like all kids, each child with autism spectrum disorder will be different. If working in groups is part of your class, you will need to organize it very well so that chaos does freak out your autistic student. Some students I could tell in advance what we were doing, and they would opt out to their 'safe place.' Some students who worked better in groups, I would give a safe partner, with whom I had spoken in advance, to work with that child. Some come with aides, some don't. Some you can't tell they have a problem (and no one thought to tell you...happens!) until a freak out. I have a wonderful child right now who is perfectly happy when we are sitting in our seats working quietly (but he is irritating to the other students, because he will tell them to get back to work. He is not trying to be irritating on purpose, he thinks he is helping them and keeping them out of trouble, not realizing the social consequences of tattling!). We had a 'walk around the room and find answers' activity, which most students love, and this child was quite upset. I could have hit myself because I should have known he would find it difficult. I found a very nice patient student to be his partner, and, once he calmed down and we explained the rules to him, he was fine.

So again, each kid is different, and you have to play it by ear.

Answer 2

In the school I used to teach at, which was a special education school with lots of autistic kids, they seemed to work best on computer-related activities. It was quiet, and they could focus on the screen. Anything chaotic or loud is out of the question. Anything that forces group interaction is not going to go over well, either. Also, anything out of the ordinary can be really hard. Many of those kids would freak out if anyone else sat in their seat ... stuff like that.

Answer 3

My cousin is autistic and he can work very well in groups...but you have to remember that there is different levels of autism...he goes to a regular school and everything...but in some of the most severe cases of autism unless the person knows you and most of all trust you he/she will usually not communicate with you...Autistic children/adults are very smart they can retain large amounts of information..(i.e. My cousin can watch a movie only once and the next time he watches it he can repeat it word for word, sound for sound)...the biggest obstacle when working with autistic people is earning their trust..They also usually have their own set of rules..they like it their way or no way...And remember Patience is a Virtue and try not to limit someone who autism let them live their lives as if they had no disabilities..and try to teach them independence

Answer 4

I had a student with autism in my class last year, and he was terrified of speaking out loud to the class. I NEVER asked him to come to the front of the room, but he wouldn't even say much out loud at his seat. Sometimes he'd raise his hand to answer a question or make a comment, but his voice would quickly turn to a whisper once he realized everyone would hear him. When it came to group work, he didn't dig it much at all. I generally had to work with his group the most and would guide him through the activity. I gave him opportunities to be hands-on and contribute in ways he felt comfortable. For example, when students were learning about how important their opposable thumbs were by taping them down and completing simple motor skills tasks, my autistic student refused to have his hands tape. I asked him to complete the tasks without tape. Although he didn't personally experience what it's like to not have opposable thumbs, he was able to work with his group and see THEIR struggles with it. When it came time to work in a group to create a finished product (like a poster), he would help by illustrating with clouds and rain drops- he loves weather. He had a HUGE moment of success in a reading group in which he read OUT LOUD in his group when it was his turn. Normally he would say, "I'm too shy," and we'd move on. Of course, his head was burried in the book to where we could barely hear him, but the point was that he did it. Students with autism need to be given ways to be successful with their group partners even if it's in unconventional ways. They should also be expected to participate- you don't get out of learning just because it's difficult for you.

Answer 5

autistic kids have trouble in just about everything. every little noise distracts them and every little light or movement does too. thats why they usally dont work in groups. they usually have their own teachers or own special helpers at least in school so they can better be able to work.