Learning with autistic children: taking advantage of their natural behavior

Abstract

Autism is a permanent disability that affects a child in a way how he/she behaves towards a routine. This type of intensed behavior is labeled ‘impaired’ when measured against an average child. One approach that has not obtained much interest from researchers is the possibility to look at this ‘impairment’ as an advantage that a child can benefit from; not a weakness that should be eliminated. This study examined the relationship between the natural behavior of autistic children and advantages they have in learning the salat lesson. The repetitive play, rigidness to changes and high ability to memorization are discussed in a context of learning salat. Future study of other behaviors that still remains a challenge is discussed in the last part of this paper.