Being Curious and the Curiouser
Being a primary school #SEN teacher for the past six years, I came up with an idea for catching the attention of #ASD students - sincere eye contact. Having said that, we must never force ASD students to have eye contact with us since it can erode their trust and bonding. An old saying goes, “Our souls are in our eyes”, this is so true for ASD students. However, it is very difficult to step into their world and shed light on their “Years of Solitude”. Below is my experience in connecting with ASD students.
“Copy that!”
Professional bodies have suggested several strategies for drawing ASD students’ attention. I reckoned one of the most practical methods is “copying”. “Copying” here means imitating their behaviors where possible. This behavior creates an initial bonding with their minds, being intrigued by your unusual response. Your “distinct reaction” will catch their attention and begin to think whether you are “on the same wavelength”. If you have created this “special moment”, congratulations, you accomplished an initial bonding.
But HOW?
Some ASD students like making sounds. One of my students enjoyed making sounds by waving paper or textbooks during lessons and he said these sounds bring him joy and happiness. I tried copying his behaviors during recess when I was sitting next to him. He showed curiosity about my actions and stared at me with his innocent eyes.
Then I said, “It is totally fine to make sounds during recess. You see. Your classmates are making sounds while playing with each other too!”
He nodded. After that, I told other subject teachers that we need to remind the student not to wave his paper or textbooks during lesson time. We can also give the student some positive reinforcement if he follows the norm. Rather than punishing the ASD students by “taking away” their source of joy (i.e., paper), we do have alternatives to respond to their “misbehaviours”, which is to “give” patience to ease their insecure or uneasy feelings during the lessons.
References / Further Readings
Harrower, J. K., Denti, L. G., & Weber-Olsen, M. (2015). Educating students with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A model for high-quality coaching. Plural Publishing.
About the Author
Peter TAI obtained a BA in Translation from Guangzhou University, a MA in Language Studies from Hong Kong Baptist University, and a Diploma in Education (English for Primary Schools) and a Certificate in Catering for Diverse Learning Needs from The Education University of Hong Kong.
He is currently teaching English in an aided primary school and has over five years of experience in teaching Languages and students with special learning needs (SEN).