Learning Styles for Children with Autism

By: Eleanor Gustafson

Introduction…

• Multiple Intelligences

• Right Brain vs Left Brain

• Gregorc Style Delineator

• Learning Skills

• Strategies for Practitioners

• Three “main” styles of learning

• Visual

• Audio

• Kinesthetic

Left Brain vs Right Brain

• Verbal

• Analytical & Sequential

• Details Whole

• Visual

• Intuitive & Simultaneous

• Whole -> Details

• Pictures

Whole Brain Development. 2015

Multiple Intelligences

• Theory of Multiple Intelligence Howard Gardner

• Late 1970s - Early 1980s

• Challenges IQ - Promotes Intellectual Capacities

Multiple Intelligences Oasis

Multiple Intelligences

• Visual/Spatial

• Bodily/Kinesthetic

• Musical/Rhythmic

• Verbal/Linguistic

• Mathematical/Logical

• Interpersonal

• Intrapersonal

• Naturalist_____

• Existential

• Pedagogical

Visual/Spatial

• Visual Learners

• Spatially Organize Environment

• Learning Strengths: Maps, Charts, Puzzles, Lists

Bodily/Kinesthetic

• Use Part or Whole of body to solve problems or create products

• Games & Movement

• Learning Strengths: Hands-on Tasks, touching, moving, processing through bodily sensations

Musical/Rhythmic

• Rhythm, Pitch, Meter, Tone, and Melody

• Learning Strengths: Picking up sounds, remembering melodies, Singing

• Sing, Play Instruments, Compose Music

Mathematical/LogicalVerbal/Linguistic

• Numbers

• Reasoning & Logic

• Learning Strengths: Problem-solving, math, patterns

• Word Meaning & Order

• Sound, Rhythms, Inflections and Meter of Words

• Learning Strengths: Reading, writing, memorizing dates, thinking in words

Intrapersonal Interpersonal

• Self Intelligence

• Aware of Feelings, Goals, and Anxieties

• Learning Strengths: Work alone, Reflecting, Setting goals

• Social Intelligence

• Sensitive to moods, feelings, temperaments and motivations

• Learning Strengths: Sharing, Comparing, Understanding People

Naturalist Others

• Nature Intelligence

• Values the outdoors, animals, nature

• Learning Strengths: Understanding and Working in Nature, Exploring, Making Distinctions

• Existential Intelligence: big questions

✦ “Why are we here?” “What is our role in the world?”

• Pedagogical Intelligence: Teaching Intelligence

✦ The ability to convey knowledge or skill to others

Gregorc Style Delineator

• Four Learning Styles

• Concrete Sequential

• Abstract Sequential

• Concrete Random

• Abstract Random

Concrete Sequential

• Direct, hands on experience

• Order and a logical sequence to tasks

• Follows directions well

• Learning Strengths: Checklists, Outlines, Charts

Concrete Random

• Experimental

• Risk Taker

• Uses trial and error to work out solutions

• Learning Strengths: Creating Products, Open-Ended Work, Games and Simulation

Abstract Sequential

• Likes working with ideas and symbols

• Logical and sequential in thinking

• Likes to focus on the task without distractions

• Learning Strengths: Reading, Working alone, Lecture, Essays

Abstract Random

• Focuses attention on people and surroundings

• Prefers discussions and conversations that are wide ranging

• Wants time to reflect on experiences

• Learning Strengths: Role play, Group Discussion, Peer group work, Arts, Media & Music

How does this relate to Autism?

• Learning deficits

• Learning skills needed

• Strategies for Practitioners

Learning Deficits

• Social Communication

• Social Interaction

• Restricted and Repetitive patterns of behavior

• Impairment in Social, Occupational, other areas of functioning

Learning Skills Needed

• Social Skills

• Emotion Regulation Skills

• Managing Change in the Environment

Social Skills

• Communication

• Reciprocal Interaction

• Eye Contact

• Staying Engaged

Emotion Regulation Skills

• Deep Breathing Exercises

• Fidgets

• Staying Calm

• Problem-solving Process

• Flexibility

Managing Change

• Visual Supports

• Early Preparation

• Social Stories

• Relaxation Techniques

How do you find Learning Style?

• Provide an environment in which there are multiple learning methods presented

• Show a task that needs to be accomplished (Visual), describe the task (Audio), demonstrate the task (Kinesthetic).

• Sing during the task or put a rhythmic cadence on the task

• Identify distractions - make appropriate modifications

–Johnny Appleseed

“Type a quote here.”

Gregorc Learning Style

Possible Multiple Intelligences What you may see in these learners

How they learn Clues to successful regulation Useful strategies

Concrete Sequential Visual/SpatialMathematical/LogicalBodily/Kinesthetic

• Ordered• Structured• Practical• Hands-on• Detailed• Exact

• Checklists• Outlines• Charts• Computers• Short Lectures

• Visual Input• Open/close windows• Oil and Water toys

• Vestibular Input• Circles• Crash and Bump• Up/Down/Front/Back

• Visual Charts and Timelines• Puzzles• Coloring• Time Duration Maps• Hands-on Experience• Demonstrations• Board Games

Abstract Sequential Verbal/LinguisticIntrapersonalMusical/Rhythmic

• Logical• Academic• Structured• Intellectual• Reader• Evaluative

• Reading• Working Alone• Lecture• Essays• Content

• Auditory Input• Variations in Noise Level• Variations in Rhythm• Listening Programs

• Listening to Classical music• Singing during task• Work in quiet room• Reading• Allowing for time alone

Concrete Random IntrapersonalExistentialist

• Independent• Creative• Risk-Taker• Inventive• Curious• Problem Solvers• Intuitive • Investigative

• Games and Simulation• Creating Products• Independent Study• Open-Ended Work• Options• Few Restrictions

• Oral Motor Input• Drink Through Straw• Suck on Candy• Slow deep breaths• Chewies

• Problem Solving Activities• Creating• Experimenting• Open-ended Activities• Sequencing Activies

Abstract Random Bodily/KinestheticMusic/RhythmicInterpersonal

• Sensitive• Emotional• Personal• Imaginative• Colorful• Discussion• Deep Feelings• Flexible

• Group Discussion• Media & Music• Personalized Work• Role Play• Arts• Peer Group Work

• Tactile Input• Massage• Pet something soft• Rub gently on skin/clothes• Fidgets

• Vestibular Input• Circles• Crash and Bump• Up/Down/Front/Back

• Use Parachutes• Dancing Games• Allow for Fidgets to remain regulated• Use Music• Social/Peer Groups• Imaginative Play• Interpersonal Interaction

Strategies for Practitioners

• Sensory Regulation

• Identify Multiple Intelligence

• Identify Learning Style

• Strengths!

Resources

• Multiple Intelligences Oasis - Howard Gardner’s Official MI Site. (n.d.). Retrieved July 9, 2015.

• Whole Brain Development. (2015). Retrieved July 9, 2015, from http://www.ucmas.ca/our-programs/whole-brain-development/left-brain-vs-right-brain/

• (2014, October). Gregorc Style Delineator. Counseling Children & Adolescents. Lecture conducted from Adler Graduate School, Richfield.