An Integrated Learning Approach for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
One of the most significant learning challenges facing young people with Asperger's, high-functioning autism, and other autism spectrum disorders is the ability to generalize knowledge from one situation to another. For example, lessons learned in school may not readily transfer to other areas of life, and skills learned in real-life settings may not result in improved academic performance.
In order to improve this ability to generalize knowledge, some of the nation's leading schools for teens with autism spectrum disorders are adopting a fully integrated curriculum. At Talisman Academy, a semester to long term academic program for adolescents ages 13-17 with Asperger's syndrome, high-functioning autism, nonverbal learning disorder, and similar disorders, the goal is to help students improve social awareness and interaction, independence, and academic self-motivation through integrated learning.
"Many teens with Asperger's, NLD, and other related disorders don't learn effectively with hours of straight classroom instruction," says Molly Shriver-Blake, MSW, the program manager at Talisman Academy. "They need to see the concepts played out in real life for the lessons to have any lasting significance."
Blending School Learning and Real Life Experiences
Whether Talisman Academy students are in the classroom, receiving training in social skills, completing chores, or exploring new places on an adventure trip, they are working with staff to generalize the skills they are learning. If a particular skill is taught in school, that skill is referenced and discussed throughout the day so that the student receives express instruction on how the skill applies in other situations.
At Talisman Academy, staff members are with the students around the clock, pointing out how to apply even basic hygiene lessons from health class to real life while students brush their teeth and complete their morning routine. In math and life skills classes, students learn about budgeting and then apply those skills by keeping track of their allowance and any money spent.
Every weekend, Talisman Academy students take trips into the community that are directly related to what they learned in school that week. For example, they have a chance to apply the lessons they learned in social skills class by practicing introductions, reading social cues, and communicating with their peers and staff as well as individuals in the community. Those lessons can then be taken back to school for additional processing.
Another example of integrated learning occurs in science class. Teachers' assistants who know the academic curriculum also venture out on experiential learning trips with the students, so that they can show students the plants, animals, and geological formations they learned about in school.
"Our theme for this semester is green living, so we integrate ecological concepts into everything we do," explains Shriver-Blake. "At the table, we talk about the importance of not wasting food; in the kitchen, we compost food that is thrown away; and in the grocery store, we talk about how to minimize our environmental footprint by using reusable bags. This way, green living isn't just an abstract concept learned in school - it is integrated in a more concrete way by showing students how it plays out in every area of their lives."
Practical Skills for Daily Life
The students at Talisman Academy rely on skill-based learning to develop the practical skills they need for daily life. "Over the years, we have found that young people are more successful the more integrated their learning becomes," says Shriver-Blake. "Through repetitive practice, young people with Asperger's and other autism spectrum disorders can learn to generalize their knowledge and develop essential life skills."
For parents, the best part about Talisman Academy's' integrated learning approach is that their child is able to apply their new skills at home as well. While parents and teachers at traditional schools can't be with the child all day every day, the staff at Talisman Academy can, which presents new opportunities for enriched learning. The end result is children who are more socially aware, more independent, and more confident in their skills and abilities.