Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Teaching Strategies Flashcards

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

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

The DSM-5 defines ASD by two core diagnostic criteria: persistent deficits in social communication/interaction AND restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities.

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

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

Using a visual schedule with a designated 'change' card provides predictability within the change — the student is prepared for and can mentally process the upcoming schedule modification.

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

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

ABA applies principles such as reinforcement, prompting, shaping, and extinction systematically to increase adaptive skills and decrease challenging behaviors in students with ASD.

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

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

AAC systems — including PECS, speech-generating devices, and communication apps — provide non-verbal and minimally verbal students with ASD accessible means to communicate.

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?

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

Noise-canceling headphones and/or alternative eating locations reduce the sensory overload while still allowing the student to participate in mealtime routines as much as possible.

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

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

PRT is a naturalistic ABA approach that targets pivotal behaviors (motivation, self-initiation, response to multiple cues) within play and daily routines to produce generalized improvements across domains.