Engaging Autistic Students with the Arts

Advertisement

Originally published in TEACH Magazine, November/December 2019 Issue

By Christine Hughes

The saying goes, “If you’ve met one individual with autism, you’ve met one.” As one person on the Autism spectrum may be highly verbal, another may be nonverbal. As one may not be able to tolerate touch, another may be extremely tactile.

Ask any educator who has welcomed multiple learners with autism into his or her classroom, and you will find there is no set formula for ensuring academic success. When charged with teaching any student on the spectrum, one will likely find him or herself teetering the line of adhering to predictable routines while “thinking outside the box.”

Because Autism Spectrum Disorder affects communication and behaviour, an ASD diagnosis can pose unique challenges to social learning. Limited interests and repetitive behaviours often impair a person’s ability to function in a school environment.

Wouldn’t it be great if there were protocols for embedding recognizable patterns and comforting routines into content delivery, while providing stimulating opportunities for student-led discovery? What if I told you that Arts Integrated Teaching can not only enliven your classroom, but also be a lifeline for those with ASD? Even teachers without prior experience in the arts can effectively use visual art and music to achieve learning targets with students regardless of ability.

Subscribe to Keep Reading

🔑 You’re one step away from unlocking exclusive content.
Subscribe now for full access.
If you’re already subscribed, please .

Christine Hughes is an autism mom and professional Music Specialist with Bartlett City Schools in Bartlett, TN. Christine has studied Arts Integration extensively and presented inclusive strategies on teaching students with disabilities at the district and state level.

Education News

GIA GemKit Brings Gem Science to Any Classroom

Young students anywhere in the world can now experience the wonder of gems and minerals with GemKit™ by GemKids ®.

Emirates “Travel Rehearsal” Programs for Children With Autism

As part of Autism Awareness Month, several milestones have been achieved on Emirates’ journey to make travel more accessible for all.

Is Cybersecurity in Schools a Priority?

In response to mounting cyber threats facing school districts across the country, CoSN has launched a nationwide advocacy campaign.

STEAM and Civility: COSI Launches a New Learning Lunchbox

COSI's new John Glenn Inspiration Learning Lunchbox is a hands-on science kit that helps students explore STEAM concepts while also learning the value of civility and civic engagement.

Join Our Newsletter

Get 10% off a subscription, monthly giveaways, and the latest updates—straight to your inbox!

Christine Hughes
Christine Hughes
Christine Hughes is an autism mom and professional Music Specialist with Bartlett City Schools in Bartlett, TN. Christine has studied Arts Integration extensively and presented inclusive strategies on teaching students with disabilities at the district and state level.

Advertisement

Read More

GIA GemKit Brings Gem Science to Any Classroom

Young students anywhere in the world can now experience the wonder of gems and minerals with GemKit™ by GemKids ®.

Learning English Is Tough—Now Imagine Doing It with Dyslexia

How can we create truly inclusive environments that support students with dyslexia in our multilingual classrooms?

Emirates “Travel Rehearsal” Programs for Children With Autism

As part of Autism Awareness Month, several milestones have been achieved on Emirates’ journey to make travel more accessible for all.

From Stress to Success: How EdTool Made Teaching Simpler for Ms. Taylor

Ms. Taylor is a busy teacher who has avoided digital tools whenever possible. It’s not that she’s against technology—she's just short time. Until she discovered an AI tool designed specifically for education.

Calmer Classrooms, One Breath at a Time: How Meditation Can Transform Behavioural Health

As we work to build classrooms that nurture both academic and emotional success, meditation serves as a simple yet powerful tool.

Is Cybersecurity in Schools a Priority?

In response to mounting cyber threats facing school districts across the country, CoSN has launched a nationwide advocacy campaign.