Role of the Supporting Adult
Some students with autism have a team of supportive professionals behind them, such as teachers, teaching assistants, therapists, psychologists, doctors and support assistants. However, having so much adult input can further impede developing friendships and independence skills.
The goal of any supporting adult is always to promote independence as much as possible. To help supporting adults, Murphy and Mueller (2001) recommend supporting adults consider:
- What can the student do without assistance?
- What the student cannot do and needs an accommodation or assistance to complete?
- Is there any way to promote social acceptance and how can peers be utilised?
- What areas will you target for independence (identified in IEP).
Supporting adults can have a very positive influence on students. Developing a positive relationship may give the student the extra motivation and encouragement to succeed in school.