Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Teaching Strategies Flashcards

Which of the following describes the 'TEACCH' structured teaching approach developed for students with ASD?

Answer: A structured teaching approach that uses physical organization, visual schedules, work systems, and visual task instructions to support independence

The TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication-handicapped CHildren) approach uses structured physical environments, visual schedules, and independent work systems to support students with ASD.

A student with ASD has difficulty with abstract language, including metaphors and idioms. A teacher says, 'We need to hit the books!' The student looks confused and distressed. Which teaching strategy BEST addresses this challenge?

Answer: Teaching common idioms and figurative language explicitly, using visual supports and concrete examples

Teaching idioms and figurative language explicitly with visual supports and concrete explanations directly addresses the literal language interpretation common in students with ASD.

Which of the following describes 'peer-mediated instruction and intervention' (PMII) for students with ASD?

Answer: An approach where trained peers are taught strategies to initiate and sustain interactions with students with ASD in natural settings

In PMII, typically developing peers are trained to initiate interactions, stay engaged, and use specific strategies to support social inclusion of students with ASD in natural classroom and play settings.

What is the primary purpose of a 'sensory diet' for a student with ASD?

Answer: A personalized schedule of sensory activities designed by an occupational therapist to regulate arousal and support focus and learning

A sensory diet is an individualized schedule of sensory activities — such as movement breaks, weighted tools, or calming strategies — designed to maintain the student's optimal arousal level for learning.

A student with ASD who is academically strong struggles significantly with unstructured time and peer interactions during recess. The MOST appropriate support is:

Answer: Providing structured recess activities with peer training, clear expectations, and adult facilitation to support positive social interactions

Structuring recess with clear activities, peer training, and adult facilitation creates a supported environment where the student with ASD can develop social skills in a naturalistic setting.

Which of the following best describes how the 'iceberg analogy' is applied to understanding students with ASD in educational settings?

Answer: The visible behaviors of a student with ASD are just the surface — the underlying sensory, communication, and cognitive factors below the surface drive the behavior and must be understood to effectively support the student

The iceberg analogy illustrates that challenging behaviors (visible surface) are driven by underlying factors — sensory differences, communication deficits, cognitive rigidity, anxiety — that are not immediately visible but must be understood and addressed.