Individuals With High-Functioning Autism, Essay Example

Effective Interventions for Individuals with High-Functioning Autism, Huang, A. X. & Wheeler, J. J. (2006)

Huang and Wheeler in this article identify several intervention methods for high-functioning autism (HFA).  This is in response to a great deal of literature targeted for children with autism.  Using evidence-based methods, the writers demonstrate effective methods of intervention that are targeted to HFA instead of the general topic of autism.

A number of structured teaching methods are proposed to benefit HFA students.  The integration of routines and schedules, for instance, allows HFA students to excel as visual learners, which characterizes their natural method of learning.  Adapted instructional strategies, which include instructional language, written information, and special interests, are also useful.  Stress is also placed on environmental modification.

Peer-mediated interventions (PMI) are highly regarded in this article.  Stemming from the positive literature on the subject, the article refers to several advantages to HFA students by way of PMI.  The article states that the preferred role of peers to play is that of the facilitator, and not the primary interventionist.

Self-monitoring and management strategies allows HFA individuals to develop.  They offer benefits as being less intrusive, they are user-friendly, and they save resources.  Adding onto the literature of successful implementation, Huang and Wheeler believe that HFA students serve as the best population for such methods, promoting greater independence.

The article also proposes video modeling and social stories to benefit HFA children.  These can be utilized with the wealth of approaches that are suggested in this article.  Concluding the article, Huang and Wheeler stress that one intervention is appropriate for all children: they must be built on the strengths and weaknesses of the student.