Language: English

ISSN: 0959-4108

Abstract/Notes: There is very little research about children with Autism in Montessori early childhood education in Aotearoa New Zealand. This study examined parents’ and teachers’ perspectives of children with Autism attending Montessori early childhood education environments. This thesis documents literature that explores and critiques Montessori philosophy and the teaching of children on the Autism spectrum. The purpose of this study was to gain insights into the Montessori teaching approach in early childhood education, as a supportive environment for children with Autism in the early years. However, I discovered that the Montessori environment is less than ideal if the teachers do not understand Autism Spectrum Disorder and do not make allowances for the symptoms that present themselves. It was my intention to explore the factors that complemented both Montessori and the support of children with Autism with an approach that is conducive to learning and encourages positive behavioural patterns. The findings revealed three main indicators being identified as important. These were social competence, language and communication, and individual interests and sensory implications. However, not all findings were positive. The parents all agreed that the teachers needed to be flexible and understanding in their approach, and many Montessori teachers are strict in their routine and are not prepared to sway from their teaching method to assist a child with Autism. This study suggests that Montessori early childhood teachers would benefit from professional development in the areas of including children with special needs, particularly Autism Spectrum Disorder, particularly in regards to understanding the unique characteristics of children with Autism and how they can effectively use the Montessori philosophy, equipment and prepared environment to support each child’s learning and development. Suggestions for future professional learning for Montessori teachers include the provision of professional development in including children with “special needs”, particularly Autism Spectrum Disorder for Montessori early childhood teachers. It is not only the Montessori philosophy and the prepared environment that supports the child with Autism, but the teacher’s awareness of the child’s needs and a willingness to be flexible in their approach.

Language: English

Published: Auckland, New Zealand, 2015

Language: English

ISSN: 1522-9734

Abstract/Notes: Explains autism and discusses the effects of autism on one autistic boy. Describes Children as Teachers, a reverse mainstreaming project in which children in the regular Montessori classes volunteered to interact with autistic children. The natural structure of the Montessori classroom, where there is a purpose and a time for everything, is ideal for autistic children. (PAM)

Language: English

ISSN: 1522-9734

Language: English

Published: Santa Rosa, California: Parent Child Press, 2019

ISBN: 978-0-939195-62-6 978-0-939195-63-3

Language: German

Published: Münster, Germany: Lit, 2010

ISBN: 978-3-643-10740-4 3-643-10740-4

Series: Impulse der Reformpädagogik , 28

Abstract/Notes: The rates of autism have increased dramatically in the last decade and more research is being conducted to find ways in which to help individuals diagnosed with autism, to function at their optimal developmental level. Montessori education, which has its origins in special education, has shown positive results in typically developing children and youth in the acquisition of cognitive and social skills. Montessori teachers who have practical experience working with a range of children on the autism spectrum were chosen for this study in order to learn from their teaching techniques. This is an area in which there is minimal research. In this research I asked the question “How do Montessori teachers adapt Montessori methods with children diagnosed with ASD?” An interpretive description methodology focused on the specific modifications participant teachers applied to the Montessori method when working with this identified group of students. This methodology will provide practical applications for Montessori teachers who do not have experience with children with ASD, as well as providing information for parents who are trying to decide whether or not to put their children with ASD in a Montessori learning environment. Keywords: autism, ASD, Montessori, interpretive description

Language: English

Published: Athabasca, Alberta, 2016

Abstract/Notes: Različiti pedagoški sustavi i filozofije podučavanja djeci na jedinstveni način omogućuju stjecanje znanja i jačanje jakih područja. Jedno on njih je i Montessori pedagogika koja naglašava individualnost djeteta i koja se temelji na razvojnim potrebama djeteta. Njena značajka jest strukturirano okruženje u kojem se djeca ili učenik susreće s materijalima odnosno pomagalima pomoću kojih se stvaraju različita okruženja. Upravo to pripremljeno okruženje i strukturirani materijali slijede osobine djece sa smetnjama autističkog spektra. Svrha članka je prikazati značajke Montessori pedagogike i osobine odnosno funkcioniranje djece sa smetnjama autističkog spektra i na konkretnom primjeru odrediti zajedničke značajke. [Different pedagogical systems and philosophies of teaching children in a unique way enable the acquisition of knowledge and the strengthening of strong areas. One of them is Montessori pedagogy which emphasizes the individuality of the child and which is based on the developmental needs of the child. Its feature is a structured environment in which children or students encounter materials or aids that create different environments. It is this prepared environment and structured materials that follow the characteristics of children with autism spectrum disorders. The purpose of the article is to present the features of Montessori pedagogy and the characteristics and functioning of children with autism spectrum disorders and to determine common features on a concrete example.]

Language: Croatian

ISSN: 2623-7237

Abstract/Notes: The National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector (n.d.) estimates that 5,000 Montessori programs, including more than 500 public schools, serve students in the United States. Though no statistics have been compiled on the number of children with autism in Montessori settings, children with autism comprise 9% of children and youth served through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (The United States Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2016). [...]the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2014) states that the number of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is increasing. Research comparing preschool-age children in Montessori learning environments with children in nonMontessori settings showed higher scores on math and literacy assessments for the Montessori children, as well as social skills, problem solving, and fine motor coordination (Lillard, 2012; Bhatia, Davis & Shamas-Brandt, 2015).

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Language: English