Mathematics and autism spectrum disorder at P level 6

These sections refer to high-functioning autism and Asperger’s syndrome. Begin by reading about the main challenges for children with autism and Asperger’s syndrome across subject areas.

P level 6 requires a greater level of vocabulary and co-operative skills in matching objects, reproducing patterns and manipulating 3-D shapes. There is also more focus on understanding the positioning of objects.

 You can

• Help the child feel in control through clear instructions. To develop pattern sequencing, try identifying patterns in the environment, such as on book covers, clothes, brick walls, paving slabs and tiles. Let the child develop their own patterns in whatever interests them, for example bricks or cars, and reproduce them.  Patterns also give opportunities for turn-taking, through clapping or drum beating games with others.
• Use snack times as an opportunity to match the right drink or biscuit to each child, and give social experience. Turn tidying into sorting and matching games – it will be more motivating than simply clearing up.
• When using a shape sorter the child they may get easily frustrated, and will find it harder to develop their own strategies. Help them by focusing on the features of a 3-D shape first.

Now you might like to look at:

• Mathematics and autism spectrum disorder at P level 5
• Mathematics and autism spectrum disorder at P level 7