Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Teaching Strategies Flashcards

Which of the following is an evidence-based social skills intervention specifically designed for students with ASD?

Answer: Social Skills Training (SST) groups such as PEERS or Social Thinking curriculum

Social Skills Training programs such as PEERS (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills) and Social Thinking are evidence-based curricula specifically designed to build social skills for students with ASD.

What is 'video modeling' and why is it particularly effective for students with ASD?

Answer: A technique in which the student watches a video of a model performing a target skill and then imitates the skill

Video modeling involves having the student watch a video of someone performing a target skill, then imitating it. It is effective for ASD because many students with ASD are strong visual learners and respond well to the predictability of video format.

A student with ASD has a strong special interest in trains. Which instructional strategy BEST uses this interest to promote learning?

Answer: Embedding train-related content into academic tasks (e.g., math word problems about trains, reading passages about railroad history)

Embedding the student's special interest into academic tasks increases motivation and engagement while addressing IEP goals — a research-supported strategy for students with ASD.

Which of the following support strategies MOST directly addresses the executive function challenges commonly experienced by students with ASD?

Answer: Using visual schedules, checklists, graphic organizers, and structured routines to support planning, organization, and task completion

Visual schedules, checklists, and graphic organizers provide external structure that compensates for executive function difficulties — including planning, task initiation, and organization.

What does 'theory of mind' (ToM) refer to in the context of ASD?

Answer: The ability to understand that others have thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and intentions that are different from one's own

Theory of mind refers to the ability to attribute mental states — thoughts, feelings, beliefs, desires — to others. Many individuals with ASD have difficulty with ToM, affecting social interaction and communication.

A student with ASD engages in repetitive hand-flapping, particularly during exciting activities. The teacher is concerned about whether to intervene. Which is the MOST appropriate approach?

Answer: Assess whether the behavior is self-regulatory and harmless, and only intervene if it significantly disrupts learning or safety

Many repetitive behaviors (like hand-flapping) serve a sensory regulation function and are harmless. The teacher should consider whether the behavior disrupts learning or safety before deciding to intervene.