Contents
- How does autism affect learning at school?
- How can schools support their ASD students?
- What schools and teachers can do to empower kids with ASD
- What can parents of ASD students do to facilitate learning outside of the classroom?
- 4 ways tutoring can help kids with autism
Parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) will know that its effects extend beyond the classroom, to all areas of their lives. This is why accommodating ASD students who attend mainstream schools is so important. 
How does autism affect learning at school? 🏫
Roughly 70% of children with ASD in the UK attend mainstream schools. However, research suggests that a large portion of teachers don’t feel equipped with adequate teaching strategies to effectively educate ASD students.
The classroom environment is make or break when it comes to learning. And many things can prove to be a distraction for those with ASD. It is crucial for teachers to know their limitations and how to adapt to their learning styles to accommodate not only ASD learners but all those who find education challenging.
How can schools support their ASD students?
Some may argue that ASD students belong in special schools centred around meeting their specific needs. Although this may be true for cases of severe or unmanaged ASD, it’s not quite that simple. All children, with or without ASD, have unique learning needs. Those with ASD require a little more guidance and extra support, but with the right measures in place, they can achieve academic success within the mainstream education system.
Here’s what schools and teachers can do to empower kids with ASD:
- Create a structured environment
- Use visual aids in the classroom
- Make extra time available for exams, homework, tests and assignments
- Try to manage or eliminate stress as much as possible
- Keep instructions simple and be direct in communication
- Be aware of and accommodate sensory sensitivities
- Encourage ASD students to engage in social interactions
What can parents of ASD students do to facilitate learning outside of the classroom?
Parents know that learning is constant for any child and is not limited to the classroom. And for those with ASD, learning is lifelong. Therefore, parents should try to create opportunities for learning at home.
Tutoring can have major benefits for those with learning difficulties. Most kids need tutoring for catch-up or exam preparation purposes, but for kids with special or specific learning needs, tutoring can help with content mastery and build a solid foundation for learning.
4 ways tutoring can help kids with autism
#1 Tutoring can boost confidence & communication 🧏
Students with ASD may feel overwhelmed by their classwork sooner than their peers. This makes it difficult for them to stay on top of their learning, which will in turn impact their grades. When left unattended, this could lead to failing subject modules or even the school year entirely. Hiring a tutor will give them a chance to ask questions they may not get to ask in the classroom.
Learning that asking questions or not understanding something the first time around is okay can boost their confidence and teach them to communicate more openly about their struggles with their parents, teachers and peers.
#2 Tutoring can supplement learning and get to the root of challenges 🙇
Tutors who are hired on a long term basis will be able to assess the needs of their students and draw up an individualised education plan from which to work. This is a detailed outline based on information gathered from the student’s teachers and parents about their classwork and their areas of struggle.
Working from a personalised plan helps target specific modules and not just rehash what they’ve learned at school. Good tutors will ask specific questions and work to resolve the root of the learner’s challenges.
#3 Tutoring is not only subject-focused, but student-focused 🧮
Another big issue for ASD students in mainstream schools is the size of the classes they’re in. With a 30 to 1 student-teacher ratio, many children will go through school without receiving individual attention during class hours. And for the most part, learning is subject-focused, not student-focused.
As a result, learning in the classroom is difficult for most ASD students. That’s where tutoring comes in handy. Tutoring is personal and individual, and the perfect opportunity for ASD students who do require additional support to receive that care and attention they won’t receive at school.
#4 Tutoring can help establish a learning routine
When you hire a tutor, they’ll work with your child on a regular basis. This helps create a learning routine for your child as they can anticipate the sessions and prepare the questions they might have for their tutor or the work they need more help with. This also brings the concept of learning into the home and builds a strong learning foundation.
Does your child need a little extra help with learning after school hours? GoStudent tutors are ready to assist kids across the spectrum of learning needs. Get in touch today to book your free trial lesson. 
