Communication support for learners with autism : a case of special schools in Umlazi district, Kwazulu-Natal province

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate ways of providing communication support for learners with autism and to determine the challenges the teachers faced in special schools in Umlazi District in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. Some of the learners with autism are non-verbal so communication support is so important for them. The researcher used the qualitative method to collect data from the two special schools that were sampled. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and document analysis. The findings of the study were presented according to four themes that emerged from the data that was gathered. It emerged that there were different ways of providing communication support to learners with autism, namely; Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Social Stories and TEACCH The resources needed were also identified by the teachers and they were of importance in supporting communication to the learners with autism. The recommendations were noted that schools should provide resources for communications support.