Learning Problems of Children with Autism and the Challenges in the Teaching Process: the Case of Nia Foundation Joy Center
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Date
2014-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The study aims to explore the learning problems of children with autism and the challenges in the teaching process. To this end, qualitative case study research design was employed in order to have an in depth understanding of the issue. The study area selected was Nia Foundation-Joy Center for children with autism. The study employed an in-depth interview, focus group discussion and observation to collect data. The finding of the study shows that the children with autism have learning problems related to their social behavior, communication and attention problems and insistence on maintenance of sameness. The study also reveals that the teachers face challenges of managing behaviors of the children, like repetitive and stereotypic behaviors in the teaching process. Lack of parents’ cooperation is also the other challenge the teachers mentioned. The study reveals that good parent teacher cooperation enhances the effectiveness of the programs. The study also shows that the teachers employ reinforcement as the main technique of teaching the children. They also use visual methods of teaching and storytelling. This study has the implication of showing the gap of the right to education of children with autism and forwarding recommendation to the ministry of education and other interested bodies work on schools to provide education for children with autism.
Key words: children with autism, teaching, learning problems
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Keywords
Children with autism; Teaching; Learning Problems