There are many discussions around Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and how it affects learning. School can present unique challenges and opportunities for ASD pupils and, as a parent, understanding how to support your child’s learning journey can make a significant difference in their academic success. With this in mind, we’ve put together a short guide highlighting some strategies to help your child develop effective study habits while embracing their unique strengths.
Children with ASD often have distinct learning preferences and exceptional abilities that can illuminate their academic journey. Often thriving on structure and routine, many excel at identifying pattens, making connections, thinking logically and remembering detailed information. Let’s look at some learning preferences to really capitalise on these abilities:
Creating an Effective Study Environment
Sensory overwhelm can make study challenging for some children. Aim for an environment that reduces, as far as is possible, the need for any additional sensory
processing:
• Provide a quiet, dedicated study space
• Ensure that lighting is flicker-free, warm and calming
• Consider noise-canceling headphones or loops
• Allow use of comfort items or fidget tools
• Maintain a comfortable and consistent room temperature
Organisational Strategies
A well organised work space can be enormously beneficial, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of security by providing predictability and structure.
• Colour-coded folders for different subjects
• Clear storage systems for materials
• Digital tools for assignment tracking
• Visual schedules and checklists
• Regular decluttering sessions
Effective Study Techniques
Some tasks can feel overwhelming to point where it can be difficult to start. In order to reduce the anxiety around the prospect of completing a piece of work, consider the following:
• Break large assignments up into small chunks
• Create a to-do list, ticking off each ‘chunk’ as it has been completed
• Leverage special interests by incorporating them into tasks, where possible
• Setting clear start and finish times
• Take regular breaks
Final Thoughts
Remember that every child is unique, so take time to identify what works best for yours and be prepared to adjust strategies as needed. The goal is to build confidence, independence and effective learning skills that will serve them throughout their academic journey.
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