Teaching Children with AutismThere has been an increase in the number of children diagnosed with autism or other autism spectrum disorders. As an educator it is likely that you will have at least one child with this diagnosis in your classroom. This article explores some of the methods used to teach autistic children. Autism is a disorder characterized by significant problems in communication and social functioning. Autism is actually called Autism Spectrum Disorder and includes a wide range of disabilities such as Asperger syndrome, Rett syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder (Dunlap & Fox, n.d.). There are also varying degrees of the disorder, from low-functioning (no communication and no social interactions) to high-functioning (some inappropriate but existing communication and social skills). One of the most difficult things teachers will face when dealing with autistic children is their lack of communication skills and inappropriate or non-existent social skills. In addition to academic education, children with autism need instruction in communication techniques and social skills. Kamps et al. says, “A key to welcoming students with autism into public schools is to provide social and behavioral programming to develop meaningful participation with nondisabled people” (p.174). There are many techniques that are useful in teaching children with autism communication and sociability. skills. One method is the Responsive Classroom, an instructional approach that integrates the teaching of academic and social skills as an aspect of daily classroom life (Sapona & Winterman, 2002, p. 30). According to Sapona and Winterman (2002) teachers who implement this model in their classroom there are six comp...... middle of paper ......Avior skills for children with autism. Focus on Autistic Behavior, 10(1), 1-9.Dempsey, I. & Foreman, P. (2001). A review of educational approaches for people with autism. International Journal of Disability, Development and Education, 48(1), 105-116.Kamps, D. et.al. (2002). Peer training to facilitate social interaction for elementary students with autism and their peers. Exceptional Children, 68(2), 173-187.Marks, S. et. al. (2003). Instructional management tips for teachers of students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Teaching Exceptional Children, 35(4), 50-55. Dunlap, G. & Fox, L. Teaching students with autism. ERIC Digest, E582.Winterman, K. & Sapona, R. (2002). Everyone is included: Supporting young children with autism spectrum disorders in a responsive classroom learning environment. Teaching exceptional children, 35 (1), 30-35.