Preschool education has become increasingly important, as kindergarten programs everywhere have become more academic. Kindergartners are expected to understand the school routine and environment upon entering class in the fall. My students are 3 and 4 years old, and attend a special needs preschool. All of my students have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. They are eager to learn and please, but have difficulty communicating and functioning in a regular preschool setting. In my room, they learn to communicate through picture prompts and schedules. We learn through play and artwork. We work on transitioning from one activity to another, practice expressive and receptive language skills and try to make sense of the social rules around us. Almost all early learners have difficulty in self regulation, but children with ASD have an increased difficulty managing their emotions. Teaching children with limited verbal skills, how to manage their emotions, is a vital part of preparing them for kindergarten.
My Project
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have difficulty making transitions. They are more likely to have restrictive patterns of behaviors that are hard to disrupt, thus creating difficulty at times of transitions. Students with ASD may have greater anxiety levels which can impact behavior during times of unpredictability, as some transitions are. During the preschool day, we make several transitions. Often my students become anxious and refuse to go to another area of the school or out to their buses at dismissal time. Transitioning in a wagon takes less time as well as adult prompting, and reduces the stress on the child. A two-seater wagon will allow my students to participate more successfully in school and community activity.
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