Engaging Autistic Students with the Arts

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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.

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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.

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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.

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