Even though ordinary or above-average intelligence is common in children with autism spectrum disorder, autism can nonetheless have a negative impact on learning in a number of ways.
Others on the spectrum struggle academically and may have one or more learning impairments.
Early interventions can be used to effectively address some of these learning issues. An IEP can be established for students of school age to address academic deficiencies and identify classroom accommodations to guarantee success.
While having a handicap like autism can hinder learning, it can also come with special talents and skills.
Related: 25 Top Autism Schools in Alabama & What They Offer
It is crucial for individuals who instruct and work with autistic children to be knowledgeable about the learning difficulties they encounter and the best ways to handle them.
Although learning growth and classroom experiences may differ for persons with autism spectrum disorders, there are several practices that may be useful.
You might be wondering how autism affects academic performance. The following are subject-specific learning areas that autistic children may struggle with.
After that, we take a look at some autism schools in Maryland you may want to enroll your child in if you live in Maryland.
How Autism Affects Learning
Below are some of the ways autism can negatively affect learning in kids:
Specific Interests
Autism spectrum disorders can cause children to become extremely focused and gifted in some subjects, like arithmetic or music. It can be challenging to get them interested in different subjects of study due to their limited range of interests.
These focused, strong interests might sometimes appear in monotonous play or movements. Children may find it difficult to comprehend that others do not share the intensity of their interests, and they may not be aware that their frequent queries or incessant talking about those hobbies is annoying other people.
These specific interests, however, might serve as a starting point for a range of educational options. Children can learn to control how they communicate with others about their specific interests by doing a study about them.
Delays in Development
Autism and developmental impairments frequently coexist. That does not mean that every person with autism also has a developmental delay, though. The same cannot be said for someone who has a developmental delay and autism.
Cognitive developmental delay, sensorimotor delay, socioemotional delay, and speech and language delay are a few examples of developmental delays.
Autism is typically diagnosed after a developmental delay is noted. This is so that early warning signs and symptoms of a developmental delay can be addressed. Developmental delays in babies and toddlers can be easily detected by parents, educators, and medical professionals.
For instance, if a baby fails to reach the expected milestones, this could indicate a developmental delay. Memory, speech, coordination, logic, and the capacity to complete easy tasks by oneself can all be affected by delays.
Related: 20 Top Autism Schools in Wisconsin & Their Websites
Disorders of Speech and Language
One of the main ways autism impairs learning is through speech and language difficulties. Speech delays and language development issues are frequently the first indications that a youngster may have autism.
Expressive or receptive problems of speech and language can take many different forms.
A speech-language pathologist might be hired by parents to examine and evaluate their kid if there are indications of a speech and language impairment. This involves watching the child see how they respond to instructions, listen, speak, comprehend, and repeat words.
Focus Issues
In general, a lot of kids struggle to focus in class and occasionally lack attention. This is also true for autistic youngsters, who are known to have attention problems; ADD and ADHD are fairly frequent in autistic people.
Autism-related students may find it challenging to concentrate on information that is outside of their area of interest, especially if it is academically related.
The focus tends to wane more quickly than it does for typical students around subjects and pursuits that don’t interest autistic students.
Due to the sensory difficulties that many children with autism experience, concentrating during a class or on a task can be made even more difficult.
They are readily distracted by stimuli, such as the texture of their clothing, bright lights, music, and more, that barely even register to persons who are not on the autism spectrum.
Deficits in Nonverbal Skills
People who struggle with verbal communication frequently make up for it with nonverbal communication. Unfortunately, certain autistic children who might have trouble with nonverbal communication may not have this option. For a lot of people with autism, gestures and eye contact might be challenging.
Nonverbal communication is extensive and includes, besides eye contact and gestures, anything from facial expressions to body language, movement, touch, space, and voice. In most cases, people don’t give nonverbal communication much thought while they go about their daily activities, although it plays a significant part in how well we interact with others.
Effective communication can be difficult when people have trouble deciphering nonverbal clues and knowing how to effectively give off their own. If the educational personnel does not know how to assist pupils who struggle with communication in a learning environment, the student will probably struggle even more.
The List of Autism Schools in Maryland
Without further ado, let’s look at some of Maryland’s top autism schools. Links are also provided for each institution, allowing you to visit their website and possibly even get in touch with them to ask additional questions.
Ivymount School
Find out more information here.
The Shafer Center
Find out more information here.
Arrow Center for Education Tangram
Find out more information here.
The Children’s Guild School of Prince George’s County
Find out more information here.
The Children’s Guild — Transformation Academy
Find out more information here.
High Road School of Anne Arundel
Find out more information here.
The Harbour School
Find out more information here.
Sheppard Pratt School in Rockville
Find out more information here.
Gateway School
Find out more information here.
CSAAC Community School of Maryland
Find out more information here.
The Children’s Guild School of Baltimore
Find out more information here.
Trellis School
Find out more information here.
The Foundation School of Prince George’s County
Find out more information here.
The Auburn School
Find out more information here.
High Road Academy of Howard County
Find out more information here.
What Is The Autism Waiver In Maryland?
The Autism Waiver (AW) is intended to offer qualified children and youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) community-based, long-term, person-centered therapeutic therapies and support to enable home and community living as an alternative to institutional care.
What State Has The Highest Prevalence Of Autism?
In the US, the prevalence of autism decreased from 1 in 150 in 2000 to 1 in 100 in 2022. Florida has the greatest incidence of autism diagnoses. Texas has the lowest incidence of autism diagnoses.
What State Has The Best Education For Autism?
According to Autism Parenting Magazine, a U.K.-based publication created by experts and parents of autistic children, Colorado is the state with the best support system for parents of autistic children.
How Do You Get Diagnosed With Autism In Maryland?
There is no conclusive examination for autism spectrum conditions, such as an MRI or blood test.
A child’s behavior and development are assessed by pediatric behavioral specialists at the University of Maryland Children’s Hospital to make a diagnosis.
Does Maryland Have A Waiver Program?
Home and community-based options in Maryland enable older folks and those with physical disabilities to live independently in their own homes thanks to the community services and resources that the waiver offers.
Citizens of Maryland who require assistance with daily tasks like clothing, bathing, grooming, and getting around.
What Is The Maryland Waiver?
For people with autism, ages 1 to 21 years old, MD Waivers for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (0339. R04. 00) offers residential habilitation, respite, adult life planning, environmental accessibility adaptations, family consultation, intensive individual support service, and therapeutic integration.
Can You Biologically Test For Autism?
There are no genetic tests available to identify autism because there is no specific gene that causes the condition (more than 100 genes have clear associations with the condition).
Autism can result from a variety of distinct gene alterations and mutations.
What is Maryland Hardship Relief?
If qualified, you may be able to get money for rent, utilities, and a variety of other urgent financial obligations. You don’t have to face the challenges by yourself.
Among the services provided by DHS are financial and medical.
Does Maryland Have Medicaid Waivers?
Home and community-based Medicaid services in Maryland are provided through both the standard Medicaid program and unique Medicaid programs called “waivers.” Each waiver has a unique eligibility requirement and is intended for a specific group, such as elderly persons or those with a particular handicap.
What Strengths Do Autistic Students Have?
Children with autism frequently excel in cognitive domains like visual, rule-based, and interest-based reasoning.
The aptitudes of thinking and learning in autistic children might be determined by a developmental evaluation or an IQ test. Working with a child’s strengths will help them develop their skills if they have autism.
How Are Autistic Children Educated?
For students who have autism, there are several educational options available: a general education classroom, a resource classroom, a special education classroom, or an autistic-only environment.
While some autistic students do best in isolated settings, others do better in inclusive classes.
What Is Special About Autism?
One of the most prevalent developmental impairments is autism. Autism, commonly known as an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a condition in which a person’s brain develops and processes information differently.
They thus experience severe issues with behavior, socialization, and communication.
What Happens If You Test Positive For Autism?
Starting at 18 months of age, doctors should screen all infants for autism.
If a test is positive, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises that the child be referred to an autism specialist for additional assessment, an audiologist for a hearing test, and early-intervention programs for therapy.
Can You Have Autism and Not Tell?
Similarly, individuals might not be aware of how they feel or act differently, but those around them might catch them acting or behaving differently. Even though autism is most frequently diagnosed in children, autistic adults might remain unidentified.
How Late Can Autism Develop?
According to recent studies, some autistic children don’t start displaying symptoms until age 5 or later. Others begin to display a few modest symptoms around age 3 but don’t match the diagnostic standards until much later.
The results imply that characteristics of autism are not always discernible by 24 months, the normal age for screening.
What Are Non-Genetic Causes Of Autism?
Over the past ten years, scores of articles have put forth a wide range of putative risk factors for autism, including folic acid, antidepressant usage during pregnancy, maternal depression, cesarean birth, advanced maternal and paternal ages, overweight parents, and exposure to everything endocrine.
How Do I Get An Autism Waiver In Maryland?
Call the Waiver Services Registry at 1-866-417-3480 to request future services. A list of people interested in waiver services is kept on the Waiver Services Registry.
Call 410-767-1446 to reach the Maryland State Department of Education for further details about the Autism Waiver.
Does Autism Affect Sleep?
People with autism frequently have problems falling asleep. Numerous factors contribute to this, including erratic melatonin levels and difficulties unwinding or resting. Both adults and children with autism may have issues sleeping.
Is It Hard To Parent An Autistic Child?
Parents of autistic children may experience extreme stress. It could seem as though there is never enough time to get everything done. Parents frequently have little time or energy left over to spend on their other children since the autistic child receives so much of their attention.
Can A Child Outgrow Autistic Traits?
The diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which was previously thought to be a permanent illness, can be outgrown in youngsters, according to research from recent years.
According to a recent study, the vast majority of these kids still struggle and need support from educators and therapists.
What Does A Child With Autism Need?
Even though it can occasionally be difficult for them, it’s crucial for children with autism to interact with their peers. Playdates and other events provide some much-needed opportunities for social skill development and friend-making.
How Do You Teach Math To An Autistic Child?
If a student is nonverbal or partially verbal, pair verbal instructions with the visual examples you use to teach math concepts.
Playing games with flashcards, apps, or an online curriculum will make teaching math enjoyable. Help pupils with less developed fine motor abilities by using technology.
Can You Suddenly Have Autism?
The quick response is “No” Schizophrenia is the most common condition in which people have social, behavioral, and emotional issues after having a typical upbringing, but these conditions are unrelated to autism spectrum disorder.
