Sample Solution

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by difficulties with social interactions, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Studies have found that children with autism can experience significant challenges when it comes to academic performance (Gresham et al., 2004). This paper will explore how autism impacts school performance for children ages 5-10 by looking at the various characteristics of the condition as well as existing research on this topic.

One factor associated with lower levels of school performance for children with autism is their communication difficulties which often lead to issues such as impaired comprehension and production of language (Shimabukuro & Schreibman, 2018). Furthermore, autistic traits such as sensory processing differences and difficulty regulating emotions may also contribute to poorer academic results by affecting motivation levels and task engagement (Zablotsky et al., 2020). Additionally, executive functioning deficits – which are common among those on the spectrum – mean they may be less able to strategize or plan effectively during tests or exams (Tonge et al., 2016).

These findings suggest that interventions should be implemented early on to help support students’ education needs. For example, using assistive technology or providing additional instruction tailored towards autistic strengths could help maximize learning outcomes for those affected by autism (Gresham et al., 2004). Taking into account individual abilities and preferences when creating lesson plans can also enable more effective teaching approaches thus allowing children with autism to reach their full potential in academics.