As the world marks World Autism Awareness Day today (2 April), many learners with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) continue to face daily challenges, particularly in under-resourced and overcrowded classrooms.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a diverse group of conditions.
They are characterised by some degree of difficulty with social interaction and communication.
Other characteristics are atypical patterns of activities and behaviours, such as difficulty with transition from one activity to another, a focus on details and unusual reactions to sensations.
People’s Post spoke to Dr Monique de Wit, postgraduate coordinator and lecturer in the Division of Rural Health (Ukwanda) at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at Stellenbosch University, about sensory education and support for learners with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in mainstream education and students with ASD in higher education.
Overcrowded classrooms
De Wit said one the biggest challenges learners with ASD face in South African mainstream schools are overcrowded classrooms.
“They are contending with the typical challenge of large classes as well as little access to specialised support to help them succeed in their academic environment.”
She said specialised support could include adapted curriculum, teachers with specialised training or “special equipment, like weighted vests”.
Understanding sensory sensitivities
She said teachers can better support learners with autism who experience sensory sensitivities by first developing a clear understanding of what those sensitivities involve.
“You will react in a more compassionate way towards a learner if you understand the challenges they are facing. I love to read up on tips and tricks that others have found helpful in the classroom for their sensory seeking or sensory sensitive learners.”
According to De Wit, social media can be a helpful resource.
“Instagram and YouTube have been helpful in this, as consultations with professionals, like occupational therapists and educational psychologists, are not always feasible in our context.”
She encouraged teachers to reach out and seek guidance from local occupational therapists for training and to address specific classroom challenges.
Sensory education
De Wit also unpacked the role sensory education plays in helping learners succeed academically and socially.
“Sensory education focuses on creating awareness of your own sensory profile, what calms you, helps you focus and prevents you from getting anxious or overstimulated. It is not only about avoiding sensory input that has a negative impact on you but also understanding when to change your environment to support your participation in academic activities.”
She said examples include wearing noise-cancelling headphones while taking a test or chewing gum if that helps concentration.
“Occupational therapists will usually assist you in understanding your sensory profile and make suggestions you can implement in your daily life.”
Support needed at universities
De Wit said as more students with autism enter universities, higher education institutions need to “move beyond a one-size-fits-all” approach to support students.
She believes there is a growing need for greater sensory awareness on campus.
“Lecture halls, libraries and assessment spaces can be overwhelming, so small, practical changes, such as quieter spaces, clearer routines and flexible attendance options can make a meaningful difference.”
De Wit said teaching students simple self-regulation strategies benefits all students, not only those on the spectrum.
She adds that peer-led initiatives, awareness campaigns and workshops, such as occupational therapy student services, help build understanding, reduce stigma and equip students with tools to cope in academic spaces.
De Wit said a key factor is inclusion and understanding people with autism.
“Inclusion is not about changing people, it’s about understanding differences and making small, thoughtful changes in the environment so everyone can belong and participate fully.”
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