The Methods of Teaching English as Foreign Language to Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Teaching foreign languages, such as, English as international language, to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been considered by the researchers of language instruction, language learning, and teachers of children with special needs. The population of children diagnosed with autism is rapidly growing and it is indispensable that they have similar opportunities for enhancing life skills, education, successful interactions and universal communicative skills. In the present research, we will review and discuss the findings of past studies that investigated effective ways and efficient methods for teaching English as foreign language to these children. Although the restricted literatures have been done throughout the world, the reviewed studies demonstrated improvement of the English language learning by suitable strategies and various methods including pictures representing, humanoid robots, Montessori-oriented methods, applied behavior analysis(ABA), cognitive method , the picture exchange communication system(PECS), well designed educational environment, mixed methods and strategies, speech therapy, media, total physical response (TPR) and individualized education plan (IEP). This narrative review, encourages various interventions and integrated methods for teaching English language to autistic children, taking into consideration their differences from diverse aspects.