| Tips teachers and parents can use to promote acceptance of differences: - Allow typically developing children to serve as instructional role models for children with autism or other disabilities, and reward students for helping teach a classmate how to do something, says Leslie Carbo, a mother and fifth grade Language Arts inclusion class teacher in Clarksville, Md.
- Be explicit about what autism means, says Gary Mesibov, Ph.D., a professor and director of Division TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication handicapped CHildren). Explain to classmates that Mary has autism, which means her brain works differently. Next, suggest, "You're good at playing this game. Can you teach Mary how to place this game?"
- Tell children they can be "bossy" when it comes to teaching a classmate with autism, suggests Mesibov. Explain that this also means being understanding, patient and helpful, but that a classmate with autism will need the extra guidance.
- Organize and initiate interaction between children with and without special needs. Children with autism are particularly hesitant to approach others, so suggest that other students initiate conversation, games and other activities, says Mesibov.
- Experts at the TEACCH Center recommend giving children without disabilities the opportunity to experience what it is like to have a disability. This can mean wearing scratched glasses, walking around blindfolded, using a wheelchair or performing fine motor skills while wearing thick gloves. These experiences give typically developing children a chance to feel what it is like to have physical and developmental obstacles to overcome.
- Do not move too quickly, says Mesibov. Parents and teachers need to remember how developmentally far behind children with autism are from other kids. Giving children with autism time to sit out of activities and observe their peers will gradually make them feel more comfortable with joining in.
|
|
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families. 
