School can be challenging for children with autism, but what do you do if an autistic child is disrupting class?
We delve into what may be behind the behaviour and give some tips on how it can be managed.
Autism and class behaviour
For autistic children, navigating the social dynamics of a classroom environment can be challenging.
Challenges faced can potentially wind up leading to disruptive behaviours.
In this article, we will explore why an autistic child may exhibit disruptive behaviours in a school class.
We also discuss strategies that teachers and assistants can implement to provide effective support.
Sensory factors
Autistic children often experience heightened sensitivities to sensory input such as noise, lights, and textures.
In a bustling classroom, these sensory inputs can become overwhelming, triggering anxiety or meltdowns.
Communication struggles
It is well known that autistic children can struggle with communication in a number of ways.
Impaired social communication skills can hinder an autistic child’s ability to express needs, emotions, or discomfort.
This frustration may manifest as disruptive behaviours.
Breaks to routine
Many autistic children rely on routines to get them through daily activities.
Any unexpected changes or transitions in the classroom routine can cause anxiety and result in disruptive reactions.
There are many potential breaks to routine in a classroom such as the regular teacher being absent or furniture being rearranged.
Any such changes to what a an autistic child has become accustomed to will often cause poor behaviour.
Social challenges
Interacting with fellow students and understanding social cues can be challenging for autistic children.
Feeling isolated or misunderstood might lead to behavioural outbursts as a way of communication or letting out emotion.
Autistic children also may not understand social do’s and don’t’s leading to natural disruption.
Classroom tactics to consider
For teachers and support staff, knowing how to manage disruptive behaviour in an autistic child is difficult.
Here are some tactics to try;
Embrace routine
Establish a clear and consistent daily routine to help minimise disruptive outbursts. Use visual schedules or timers to help the child anticipate transitions and activities, reducing anxiety.
Provide sensory support
Create a sensory-friendly classroom by minimising distracting inputs. Provide a quiet space where the child can retreat if feeling overwhelmed.
Work on communication
Implement visual supports such as picture cards, communication boards, or apps to facilitate communication.
Encourage the child to express their needs and emotions using these tools and this may rule out outbursts.
Personalise learning
Recognise that each autistic child is unique with different needs and capabilities.
Tailor teaching methods and learning materials to the child’s strengths and interests, fostering engagement and participation.
Incorporate social learning
Incorporate social skills training into the curriculum.
Use role-playing and group activities to teach social interactions and foster understanding among peers.
Provide praise where appropriate
Focus on reinforcing positive behaviours through praise, rewards, and a system of clear expectations.
Redirect disruptive behaviours with empathy and understanding.
Embrace learning
Educate classmates about autism to promote empathy and inclusivity.
Encourage open discussions about differences and foster a supportive classroom community.
Obtain specialist support
Work closely with special education professionals, speech therapists, and behavioural therapists to develop and implement effective strategies for the autistic child.
Summary – Autistic Child Disrupting Class?
Disruptive behaviours exhibited by autistic children in the classroom often stem from the challenges they face in understanding and navigating their environment.
By making reasonable adjustments teachers and assistants can play a crucial role in providing the necessary support for these students to thrive.
With patience, empathy, and a willingness to adapt teaching methods, educators can create an inclusive and enriching learning environment for all students, regardless of their neurodiversity.
