Autism spectrum disorder or Autism or ASD is a social and behavioral impairment that
begins in childhood, lasting throughout their life of the affected person. The disorder affects their
broad based neurodevelopment that is the result of genetic events happening prior to their birth
affecting their socio emotional and cognitive development (Nih.gov, 2020). The disorder
includes pervasive developmental disorders and Asperger syndrome and affects their
communication, learning process, and their interaction with others (CDC, 2020). The disorder
has no cure but use of some behavioral management therapies may improve a person’s body
ability to function.
Students with ASD should be placed in inclusion settings with typical peers as it will
assist them in getting the most appropriate learning environments for them to achieve their
learning potential. Students with ASD in inclusive classes are absent less often and develop
stronger skills in math and reading skills, as they try to match those other normal students. The
typical peers also benefit since they become more tolerable, positive, and comfortable to handle
people with different abilities and temperaments (Koumpouros and Kafazis, 2019). Inclusion
will help the students with ASD gain better quality social development and engagement skills as
they are interacting more with typical peers rather than teachers who are found in only restrictive
settings.
Students with ASD also gain by having role models who will also assist them learn new
skills through observing and imitating other students. The inclusion results in the students with
ASD to be able to fit in their communities and develop a sense of belonging, which prepares
them for their future life as adults. Inclusion will help students with ASD with typical peers to be
included in local school activities that will help them develop their individual strengths and gifts
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(Meehan, 2017). Students with ASD will gain by attending local schools as their brains will
develop better neural connections from their experiences of learning in richer environment. It is
because students with varying abilities are better motivated to learn when they study in classes
surrounded by other typical students.
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References
CDC (2020). Basics about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) | NCBDDD | CDC. [Online]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at:
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html [Accessed 27 Feb. 2020].
Koumpouros, Y. and Kafazis, T. (2019). Wearables and mobile technologies in Autism
Spectrum Disorder interventions: A systematic literature review. Research in Autism
Spectrum Disorders, 66, p.101405.
Meehan, L. (2017). Supporting social inclusion for students with autism spectrum disorders:
insights from research and practice. Educational Psychology in Practice, 34(1), pp.108-
109.
Nih.gov (2020). NIMH » Autism Spectrum Disorder. [online] Nimh.nih.gov. Available at:
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd/index.shtml
[Accessed 27 Feb. 2020].