FTCE ESE Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Teaching Strategies

Question 1

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) according to the DSM-5?

Accepted Answer

Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction, and restricted/repetitive patterns of behavior

Answer

Primary difficulty with reading decoding and phonological awareness

Answer

Significant intellectual disability in all cases

Answer

Attention deficits and hyperactivity as the primary presenting features

Question 2

A student with ASD becomes very distressed when the daily classroom schedule changes unexpectedly. Which support strategy BEST addresses this need?

Accepted Answer

Provide advance notice of schedule changes with a visual schedule that includes a 'surprise' or 'change' card

Answer

Avoid visual schedules to prevent over-reliance on routine

Answer

Insist the student follow the new schedule without preparation to build flexibility

Answer

Remove the student from class whenever schedule changes occur

Question 3

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based approach for students with ASD. Which of the following BEST describes the core principle of ABA?

Accepted Answer

Using principles of behavior (reinforcement, prompting, shaping) to systematically increase desired skills and decrease challenging behaviors

Answer

Focusing exclusively on eliminating all repetitive behaviors

Answer

Providing a language-based therapy to improve verbal communication only

Answer

Using play therapy to develop social emotional competence

Question 4

Which communication support is MOST commonly used with non-verbal or minimally verbal students with ASD?

Accepted Answer

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems, including PECS, speech-generating devices, or communication apps

Answer

Sign language as the exclusive communication method

Answer

Lip-reading training

Answer

Whisper phones for one-on-one communication

Question 5

A teacher notices that a student with ASD becomes overwhelmed in the school cafeteria due to noise and sensory input. What is the MOST appropriate accommodation?

Accepted Answer

Providing sensory accommodations such as noise-canceling headphones and/or allowing the student to eat in a quieter setting

Answer

Eliminating cafeteria time entirely from the student's schedule

Answer

Insisting the student remain in the cafeteria daily to desensitize to the environment

Answer

Restricting the student's food choices to reduce mealtime challenges

Question 6

Which of the following BEST describes 'pivotal response training' (PRT) as an intervention for students with ASD?

Accepted Answer

A naturalistic, play-based ABA approach that targets pivotal areas like motivation, self-management, and response to multiple cues to produce broad improvements

Answer

A highly structured, therapist-directed drill-based approach to teach discrete skills

Answer

A medication management protocol for behavioral regulation

Answer

A peer-based social skills curriculum used exclusively in group settings