How Online Learning Supports Students with Autism

byCorissa Hennessey

4 min to read
A boy is raising his hand while in online class

Students on the autism spectrum are often gifted and have exceptional abilities; however, they may face numerous challenges in learning environments that are not designed to support them. Some of these challenges may include bullying, confidence issues, learning pace, and sensory issues caused by fluorescent lights, noisy classrooms and hallways, as well as loud school bells.

When considering alternative learning options, it’s important to take certain criteria into account. The ideal learning environment for a student with autism will accommodate their specific learning needs, provide solutions to their challenges, and eliminate barriers to learning that often occur in more traditional education settings.

How Does Autism Affect Learning?

Autism is a developmental disorder, not a learning disorder. However, autism can overlap with learning disorders, and some students with autism have difficulties with the learning process—especially when the learning environment is not tailored to their needs. Students with autism may experience challenges in some or all the following areas:

  • Comprehending verbal language, including lecture
  • Focusing on a generalized curriculum that overlooks student interest.
  • Planning and executing multi-step projects.
  • Utilizing fine motor skills, including writing, using scissors, and drawing.
  • Engaging in required social interaction, such as during a collaborative project.
  • Facing changes in schedules and expectations.
  • Dealing with sensory stimulation that feels overwhelming.

Fortunately, traditional school is not the only option for students with autism.

Benefits of Online Learning for Children with Autism

According to observations by Dr. Emily W. King, students with autism need a learning environment that addresses the following needs:

  1. Flexibility and pacing – Students with autism do better when they are following their own interests and working at their own speed.
  2. Lack of engagement – Students with autism manage their behaviors and stress better when they are allowed to incorporate their own interests into their learning experience.
  3. Social stressors – By removing social pressures, students’ learning capacities increase.
  4. Learning preferences – When students have more control over taking breaks and removing themselves from difficult points within their day, it helps reduce behavioral challenges.

When we consider these needs and the commonplace challenges for students with autism, an ideal alternative solution will need to directly address these challenges. Online learning can do just that.

Online Learning Benefits That Meet Students Where They Are

Online Learning Benefits That Meet Students Where They Are

  • Provides a flexible schedule that encourages more engagement and less rigid time management.
  • Decreases anxiety related to bullying and social stressors.
  • Improves focus on their interests and allows more control over their daily schedules with less social pressure.
  • Increases attendance due to lower stress and more relaxed scheduling.
  • Controls sensory stimuli, such as lighting and noise, more easily at home.

The Impact of Socialization and Learning Environment for Autistic Students

A 2002 study by Comprehensive Issues in Pediatric Nursing found that 94% of students with Asperger’s Syndrome, one autism spectrum disorder diagnosis, experience bullying at some point in their lives.

While practicing social skills is important for students with autism, a traditional school setting often places students with autism in social situations that can be overwhelming. If bullying is involved, these interactions can be harmful. Virtual learning provides a way to separate the education aspect of school from their social aspect so that it doesn’t interfere with the learning process.

Some parents worry that online school will limit their child’s opportunities for social interaction, but this is a common misconception. Online students, including students with autism, have access to student clubs, field trips, volunteer opportunities, and more. Many Connections Academy® schools have designated community coordinators who manage events for families, principals, and teachers to meet face-to-face. Virtual school technology creates collaborative learning environments, and tools such as the LiveLesson® sessions enable real-time teacher-to-student and student-to-student interactions.

Online learning removes many of the barriers that can prevent students with autism from achieving their highest potential.

How Connections Academy Can Support Students with Autism

At Connections Academy, we value the feedback we receive from parents and students. Parents report that the Connections Academy teachers and staff provide learning support that goes above and beyond past experiences, and the modifications available with online learning have helped set their kids up for success.

Here are some additional benefits of Connections Academy for students with autism, based on feedback:

  • Parents and students are more involved in the learning process.
  • Students feel more empowered and in control of their learning.
  • Students experience less stress related to social expectations.
  • Students love the ability to work at their own pace.

Connections Academy also offers a host of unique perks, including:

  • A wide variety of choices for projects that allow students to pursue their passions.
  • A realistic workload.
  • Software that adjusts to student proficiency.
  • Flexible completion times.
  • A variety of ways to answer questions to reduce social pressure.

As a parent, you may have concerns about switching to a virtual school for special needs. The Connections Academy online public-school option ensures your child is accessing the highest quality education through our carefully curated curriculum, and we provide support all along the way. Learn more about how it works.

 

Download the Benefits of Online Learning for Children with Autism

 

E-guide for Connections Academy with a green background and a graphic of a laptop with the purple eGuide.

Ready to Learn More

About Connections Academy?

Explore the benefits of attending Connections Academy, a tuition-free, accredited online public school that’s passionate about helping your child thrive.  

Get Your Free eGuide

 

Related Posts

  • How Parents Can Prepare for Online School

    by Stephanie Osorno

    A student is taking notes while looking at a computer

    It’s back-to-school time! If your student will soon be attending an online school for the first time, you will have a significant and exciting new role in his or her education. Actively preparing for and learning about being a Learning Coach will not only build your confidence, but will also help you and your student start the school year off strong.

    Consider the following back-to-school suggestions to help you and your family prepare for a successful year of online school.

    Gear Up for the First Day of School

    • Take advantage of your school’s orientation and events to become more acquainted with the virtual school program. For instance, families enrolling with Connections Academy® can sign up for Online Parent Panels, which are webinars hosted by experienced parents who share their insight, answer questions, and give pointers.
    • Check your computer to be sure it meets the school’s system requirements.
    • Explore the learning management system to get familiar with navigating lessons, communications, and other functions.
    • Set up your student’s learning space in an area free of distractions. You can visit Connections Academy on Pinterest to get back-to-school home classroom ideas(opens in a new tab)!
    • Find out if your school offers tools to help organize your student’s day. If your school provides a to-do list or a list of assignments, make sure you know where to locate each one and how to submit assignments for a grade. With assignments clearly organized, you and your student will feel more in control of the school day.
    • View sample schedules and create a school day schedule using a family planner. Start with this plan, then adjust the learning schedule as needed.
    • Jot down any questions you have about online school and ask your student’s teacher when he or she reaches out at the beginning of the school year.
    • Make sure you and your student are on the same page when it comes to your expectations for online school.

    Parent Tasks to Monitor Schoolwork and Progress

    When going back to school, experienced Learning Coaches recommend that parents complete the following tasks daily:

    • Determine which assignments need to be completed each day.
    • Review any school announcements.
    • Read and respond to messages.
    • Note and address any overdue lessons for your student.

    Here are some additional back-to-school best practices Learning Coaches can do to keep students on track:

    • Review your student’s course calendar each week to check for upcoming tests and projects that require advance preparation.
    • Schedule time for online school sessions, studying, and extracurricular activities.
    • If your student has a specific question about a course, suggest reaching out to the online teacher before you jump in.
    • Review lessons and assignments and submit them at the end of each day.
    • Record attendance daily.
    • When the school day is over, double-check to see if all the required tasks have been completed. Connections Academy parents can monitor the students’ progress from their home page—it will tell them if the student is on track or if he or she needs to catch up.

    You can conquer your new role in virtual school and help your student make the most of his or her online school year by planning ahead, using the school’s resources, and staying organized

    To learn how your child can enjoy the benefits of personalized online learning, visit the website for Connections Academy online public school. Or to learn about online private school, visit Pearson Online Academy ’s website.

    read more

  • Online Teacher vs. Learning Coach: What’s the Difference?

    by Stephanie Osorno

    The Difference Between an Online Teacher vs. Learning Coach

    Teacher and Learning Coach: what was your initial interpretation of these titles? Did you have to think twice because they seemed similar? At first glance, these titles could be construed as synonyms since each involves a degree of leadership for students. When it comes to virtual school, however, teacher and Learning Coach represent two distinct roles.

    So, as the parent of a virtual school student, which role should you be playing? Teachers and Learning Coaches are accountable for several duties that they handle differently, but both collaborate to enhance the student’s online learning experience. If you’re considering online school for your child, we are here to help you determine how to stay within the Learning Coach bubble. Take a look at the various differences between teacher and Learning Coach below to learn more about your specific duties and the ways each role can complement the other!

    Online Teacher vs. Learning Coach

    Virtual schools have certified teachers who are dedicated to helping students succeed—that means a Learning Coach serves as a guide, supporter, and motivator to further stimulate learning and establish a suitable structure for the school day at home. The role of a Learning Coach evolves over time as the student gains confidence and develops more academic skills.

    Among other things, teachers and Learning Coaches oversee daily learning, provide assistance, and monitor progress in different ways.

    Daily Learning

    Breathe easy; it is the teacher's responsibility to teach and provide students with learning material. A Learning Coach is not required to plan any lessons. Instead, he or she should make sure that the student stays focused each school day. Here are a few examples of tasks teachers and Learning Coaches complete to facilitate daily learning:

    Online Teacher

    • Leads the class during real-time virtual classroom sessions
    • Presents new material
    • Plans various lessons for specific subjects
    • Determines which topics will be covered each day

    Learning Coach

    • Encourages breaks throughout the day when appropriate
    • Motivates the student to complete lessons
    • Makes sure the student has enough rest and nutrients for a productive school day
    • Asks the student what he or she learned at the end of each day to maintain open dialogue
    Questions and Assistance

    Since teachers lead the class, it is important that major questions be directed at them—after all, that is what teachers are there for! Learning Coaches can help with small concerns and questions such as, "Am I on the right track?" or "Am I being clear in this essay?" The more students reach out to their teachers, the more they will grow to be independent learners. Here are a few examples of tasks that teachers and Learning Coaches complete to effectively assist students:

    Online Teacher

    • Answers the student’s questions in the virtual classroom, or via phone or WebMail
    • Can offer support through individual online sessions
    • Personalizes lessons based on the student's needs
    • Clarifies any confusion or misunderstanding

    Learning Coach

    • Prompts the student to communicate with the teacher when needed
    • Answers minor questions and assists with assignments but does not resolve the problem or do the work on the student's behalf
    • Reassures the student when he or she is having trouble understanding a concept
    • Implements some learning activities that might help with areas of weakness
    Progress

    Teachers and Learning Coaches both play a key role in monitoring a student’s progress. The two are encouraged to stay in contact throughout the school year to discuss how the student is doing. Here are a few examples of tasks that teachers and Learning Coaches complete to properly monitor a student's progress:

    Online Teacher

    • Communicates frequently with the student to ensure that he or she understands the material before moving on
    • Contacts the Learning Coach to discuss the student’s progress
    • Tracks recent activity
    • Analyzes student performance
    • Works with the student and establishes a plan to tackle subjects that require more practice

    Learning Coach

    • Documents the student's attendance on a daily basis
    • Assists with organization and time management skills
    • Stays in contact with teacher for regular updates and suggestions
    • Ensures that the student is working at an appropriate learning pace

    Even though teachers and Learning Coaches play different roles, the student’s journey to success is a team effort!

    read more