When a student is transitioned into the school environment school personnel must prepare for the appropriate modifications and assessments that will be crucial in providing a positive learning environment for an autistic student. The following information describes the positive and negative effects related to school and individuals on the autism spectrum.
Positive Effects
Individuals with ASD are capable of displaying caring and loving attitudes.
Individuals with ASD are capable of exhibiting loyalty to classmates, teachers, and school activities.
High functioning students are rule abiders.
A positive approach to behavior management provides improvement in school climate overall.
Creates the opportunity for people to work positively together (including the student).
Provides opportunities for parents, professionals and students to use strategies across settings.
Individuals with ASD may voice their perceptions automatically.
Negative Effects
School may have to change the way teachers think and respond.
Teachers may feel overwhelmed or too challenged.
School experiences conflict when addressing new and different needs.
Parents, school and student may be frustrated by the need for flexibility.
Characteristic behaviors such as rocking, flicking, hair twirling, etc. may provoke bullying from others.
