Mathematics at KS3 and autism spectrum disorder

The National Curriculum for mathematics is statutory in all maintained, mainstream schools up to and including key stage 4. An appropriate version of the curriculum is used in maintained special schools. Key Stage 3 covers years 7-9 (children aged from 12-14 years).

By this stage the Asperger’s pupil will be strong in number-crunching and logical, predictable maths, such as geometry. The challenges at KS3 are:

• The creative aspects of maths, where there is a need for flexibility of mind
• Evaluating depends on being able to analyse key characteristics and compare with what might or should be possible. Interpreting also needs flexibility of mind
• Open-ended tasks may create frustration and confusion for the Asperger’s syndrome child

You can:

• Prepare model examples and present material in a logical way. Don’t assume the child has understood new vocabulary just because they can use it – always check the context
• Use step-by-step hand-outs ahead of tasks, with simple, logical language and no figures of speech
• Prepare the pupil for open-ended tasks as they may find lack of one correct answer stressful
• Support tasks that bring together different concepts, processes and mathematical content. Make a checklist of strategies that might help the pupil’s confidence in using different methods
• Plan for working collaboratively and choose partners and groups carefully. Give ground rules about how the group should function
• Plan worksheets so they are easy to follow and it is clear what is expected of the pupil

Now you might like to look at:

• Mathematics and autism spectrum disorder at key stage 2