How to Integrate Autistic Children Into Public Schools

Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder affecting the neurological and social abilities of an individual. Children with autism require structure and repetition. Since autistic kids need special attention, it is somewhat more difficult to educate them. Previously, autistic children were home-schooled or received inadequate education within the public school system. However, schools are becoming better equipped with the resources to educate disabled children. Integrating autistic children into public schools requires research, support and individual attention.

Instructions

• 1

  Attend a meeting with the parents, child and school officials at the public school. Before enrolling the child in a public school, ensure that the child is comfortable with the new surroundings and that you have confidence in the quality of education he will receive. Tour the facilities and meet the teachers so you are comfortable enough to make a decision that will benefit everyone, but mostly the child.

• 2

  Create an individual education plan. An education plan outlines the strategies, goals and services your child will receive. Each plan is unique to a child and should be changed frequently to ensure constant progress.

• 3

  Collaborate by learning along with him. Parents and teachers must work together to instill the lessons in an autistic child. If your child is learning sign language at school, you should take a course at a local community center to help practice at home with your child.

• 4

  Work with the child, but do not try to change him. Public school special education courses used to attempt to change disabled children and make them conform; these attempts failed. Work with the child so that learning seems fun. For example, incorporate counting and numbers into sports or teach speech through song.