Is Montessori Good For Autism?
Montessori education has proven effective in helping autistic students develop socially, communicate effectively, and learn skills necessary for success in school and society.
Montessori schools teach children using a natural learning environment with materials designed specifically for each child. This approach helps children become independent learners who can focus on tasks without being distracted by extraneous stimuli.
This method also allows teachers to work closely with individual children to help them achieve academic goals. In addition, parents report that their children do not exhibit aggressive behavior as often because they are less stressed.
Individuals diagnosed with autism, particularly those whose symptoms fall into the mild to moderate range, may benefit from the teaching and learning methodology utilized in Montessori schools.
Students of varied abilities can learn at their own speed while utilizing the hands-on experiences, student-led discovery, and multi-sensory tasks incorporated into the Montessori method of education.
This article will explain why Montessori special education is great for both autistic and non-autistic children.
What Is Autism?
Autism is a developmental disorder that lasts a person's entire life and impairs their communication and interaction capacity. As a result, people with autism often struggle to connect with others on a deep emotional level.
The prevalence of autism is approximately 1 in 36 worldwide and might be as high as 1 in 24. That amounts to around 2.7% of all children being impacted.
Autism Spectrum Disorders
All children who fall within the autism spectrum suffer, to a greater or lesser degree, limitations to their typical functioning in the following areas:
Communication
Autism encompasses difficulties in many types of communication, such as speaking, intonation, gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, and other nonverbal signs.
Socialization
Some people on the autism spectrum may not understand when another person wants to be near them. Some signs that may indicate difficulty relating to others include rejecting physical touch and avoiding looking people in the eye.
Rigid Thinking
A mental process that is rigid and inflexible, intolerance to change, conduct that is compulsive and ritualistic, and an inability to be creative and inventive are all symptoms of rigid thinking.
Learning Challenges or Difficulties for Autism
Autism is a disorder that manifests itself uniquely in each individual who has it. Therefore, caregivers and educators need to understand that managing autistic behavior is not always a simple task.
Language and communication
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (“ASD”) frequently have difficulties understanding the meanings of spoken language, as well as nonverbal communication abilities.
They may be unable to decipher people's gestures, inflections, or facial expressions and read their emotions.
Echolalia
Autistic children frequently repeat the phrases they hear, particularly when engaged in something. It's also possible that they have an unhealthy obsession with particular subjects.
The inflexibility of thought and imagination
Children on the autism spectrum may struggle with imaginative visualization. They may have an abnormally high level of sensitivity to shifts in their daily patterns and routines of life.
Children who have autism may, at times, engage in repetitive activities, such as rocking back and forth or flicking their hands.
Lack of social skills
Children with autism frequently lack a sense of the feelings, ideas, and intentions of those around them.
They may be unable to comprehend the fact that other people experience emotions: agony, fear, anger, happiness, sadness, surprise, disgust, embarrassment, pride, shame, jealousy, envy, hope, desire, guilt, regret, anticipation, anxiety, boredom, confusion, curiosity, wonder, and so on.
Different perceptions
Those on the autism spectrum form a unique community. As a result, some people with autism may have a distinctively different perspective on the world than their peers.
Listening and attention
Autism is characterized by a profound difficulty in maintaining focus on activities in which the individual is not directly engaged.
Hypersensitivity to sensory stimuli
When certain autistic children are subjected to stimuli such as intense light, loud noises, unexpected touches, tastes, or odors, they may experience significant discomfort.
Behavior
Autistic children frequently struggle with communication, leading to behavioral problems.
Special abilities
Some children on the autism spectrum disorders may have a propensity to excel at challenging activities, such as constructing sophisticated structures or mastering an instrument.
Note these abilities are not necessarily dependent on engaging with other people.
Is Montessori System Good for Autism?
When determining whether or not a Montessori education is appropriate for a child diagnosed with ASD, one must consider the individual's parenting philosophy and priorities.
Some parents may not want to challenge their children with ASD to explore topics they have not chosen for themselves. Instead, they might simply want them to be in an open and inviting environment.
If this is something that a parent is looking for in a school for their child, then Montessori may be an excellent choice.
If a child functions at a high level but their primary area for development is on the social-emotional spectrum, then Montessori for special needs can be a good option for them.
Being around children of different ages and having a variety of play options would provide valuable social learning experiences for a child who is learning from their natural environment.
Furthermore, it will benefit the child, who seems "off" socially, to not become overstimulated by larger classroom settings and rigidities.
Reasons Why Montessori Special Education Is Beneficial For Autistic Children
The following is a list of some of the explanations that describe why Montessori schooling is helpful for autism:
Environment providing order and consistency
Autism is characterized by a child's inability to enjoy new experiences and routines.
Instead, neurodivergent children may feel a greater sense of security when the natural environment around them is ordered and predictable, making them feel more at ease.
Freedom to observe
The Montessori Method educates children by allowing them the independence to learn via the process of exploration and experimentation with a variety of activities. They are not required to learn in any predetermined manner at all.
Build confidence and self-esteem
Children with autism can have a preference for choice, time, and routine. With Montessori learning, they can become more self-reliant and self-assured because they are able to learn openly in a way that meets their needs.
Learn socially acceptable rules or life skills
The Montessori Method teaches children fundamental skills. For example, games of Social Graces and Courtesy provide a regular opportunity for participants to put this learning into practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Montessori work for children with autism?
The Montessori approach is founded on the findings of several scientific studies. It teaches children through activities that are fun and engaging for them. This strategy is beneficial in assisting children with autism in developing socially acceptable behavior.
Is Montessori good for all children?
Yes! Children of any age, gender, color, or ethnicity, as well as children of varying levels of aptitude or neurodiversity, can benefit from the Montessori method.
Is Montessori school good for high-functioning autism?
As a parent of an autistic child, one of the first questions you may ask is, "Is Montessori school good for high-functioning autism?" It is a tentative yes based on each child's needs. Different children will react in different ways to the same treatment.
What if my child doesn't like the Montessori environment?
If your child has more severe challenges with learning and development, they may have difficulty succeeding with the Montessori Method. However, you may still want to try it out to see if it if a good fit for your child.
Otherwise, you may have to search for a new educator capable of meeting your child's needs if this does not work well for them.
Can I homeschool my child?
Of course! One of the most effective strategies for ensuring that your child receives a good education is homeschooling them.
What type of child thrives in Montessori?
Children with particular requirements, such as learning or physical challenges, frequently do exceptionally well in Montessori classrooms.
Final Thoughts
There is evidence that Montessori education benefits children on the autism spectrum. This teaching method focuses on developing each child's natural interests and abilities through hands-on learning experiences.
As a result, students develop self-confidence and independence, which helps them become successful adults.
You can also read the book "Autism, The Montessori Way: A Practical Guide to Help the Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Learn Using Montessori Inspiration" to decide if Montessori special education is suitable for you and your little one.
RocketBaby also carries various Montessori-inspired items to engage children of all levels and backgrounds.