Understanding the Learning needs of Children with ASDs

Dr. Rita Jordan

School of Education, University of Birmingham

2003

Definition

• ‘triad of impairments’

• social & emotional understanding

• all aspects of communication regardless of language level

• lack of flexibility in thinking & behaviour

• additional difficulties

Psychological Functioning

• perception

• attention

• socialisation

• self awareness

• concept development

Psychological Functioning cont.

• feelings and emotions

• memory

• flexibility and self control

• communication and language

Conclusion

• need to show empathy

• recognise uniqueness and difficulties

• adapt environment and teaching

• help them develop and adapt

• tennis analogy