Teaching the Quran to children with autism can be a unique and rewarding experience, but it also comes with its own set of challenges.
Autism, a neurological condition that affects communication and social interaction, requires a tailored approach to education. However, with the right strategies and understanding, it is possible to create a nurturing environment that enables these children to connect with the teachings of the Quran.
In this article, we will explore practical tips and techniques to help parents, teachers, and caregivers effectively teach the Quran to autistic children, fostering their spiritual growth and enhancing their overall development.
10 Tips to Teach the Quran to Autistic Child
Those simple tips below will help you teach the Quran to Autistic children.
1. Show Love for Them
Kids learn faster when they feel they’re loved and supported, especially if they are autistic. So, as much as possible, try to show affection for children, encourage them with lovely little words and a pat on their shoulders, even if they don’t show progress like what you expected, as you don’t know how much a little word can affect the heart of a little child.
Even Prophet Mohammed was careful to teach children with love, as he said in one of his hadith:
‘’I have ten children, but I have never kissed any of them’’. The Messenger of Allah replied: ‘’He who does not show mercy towards his children, no mercy would be shown to him.’’
2. Learn Them Individually
Autistic children tend to learn better privately than in a group since being in a large company can disturb their focus. Another advantage of individualised instruction is it allows educators to apply teaching methods, materials, and strategies that fit each child. Enrolling them in Online Quran classes for kids is the best option for teaching the Quran. This approach maximises their learning potential and helps them engage more effectively with the Quranic verses…
3. Use Low Voice
Many autistic kids have heightened sensory sensitivities, including sensitivity to loud or high-pitched sounds. For this reason, the instructor should use a low voice to create a calm and soothing environment that maintains the kid’s focus and helps him process and understand information presented in a fast-paced or loud manner.
4. Limit the Triggers
Ensure that the environment where autistic kids study is void of any distractions that can trigger their minds, driving them to lose their focus, like humming and blinking of lights. Also, eliminate any potential distractions that might disturb those children, like forcing them to engage with other children, because that can make them a little aggressive and less comfortable. As much as possible, keep the learning environment calm and serene.
5. Apply the Reward System
Integrating the reward system into learning can motivate autistic kids to learn even faster. Autistic children generally love consistency and are often reluctant to do something new. By applying a desired reward or incentive, children are driven to overcome their anxiety by focusing on the outcome rather than the process.
Applying a reward system is so easy. Create a visual chart to track the child’s progress and reward their achievements. Divide the learning goals into smaller, manageable steps, and assign a specific number of points or tokens to each step. As the child accomplishes each step or demonstrates the desired behavior, reward them with the corresponding points or tokens.
6. Provide Feedback
Autistic children often benefit from clear and explicit instructions. Feedback provides them with information about their progress, performance, and areas for improvement. It helps set clear expectations and provides guidance on what is expected of them, helping them understand what they need to do to achieve their learning goals.
It’s better if you give them written feedback and avoid
7. Avoid Sustained Eye Contact
Autistic kids often experience sensory sensitivities, and sustained eye contact can be intense and overwhelming for some, causing discomfort or anxiety.
Rather than relying solely on eye contact, focusing on other forms of communication, such as verbal communication, visual supports, gestures, or augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems, can be beneficial.
8. Fuel his Imagination
The autistic child does not depend on linguistic communication and memorisation but instead relies more on imagination. Pictures are his first language, and words are his second language.
To put this technique in practice when you teach those kids the Quran, You can use images for the verses and pin them on the walls so they can see it clearly. You can also recount stories about the prophets, and they will be interested in listening to them. You can also use some graphics or animated videos that describe the meaning of the verses and display them on show.
9. Be Patient and Repeat
Repetition helps reinforce skills and concepts. Autistic children often benefit from repeated exposure to information and tasks to enhance their learning and understanding. Also, it creates a sense of predictability and familiarity, which can be comforting for autistic children. It helps them feel more secure and reduces anxiety in new or unfamiliar situations.
Another advantage is that it helps establish routines and structure, which are crucial for autistic children. Having consistent patterns and repetition in daily activities can provide a sense of security and organisation.
10. Use Direct Instruction
Using direct instruction helps autistic children grasp the lessons very well in online quran recitation classes. The student is told precisely what he needs to know. You can use a unified sequence and stick to it for all the lessons.
- First: Review everything you’ve learned the day before starting the new lesson.
- Second: In each lesson, you should explain a new lesson and introduce a slightly simple concept. Using repetition techniques can fix the new teachings in their minds.
- Third: ensure the kids have grasped the lesson and can practice it easily
Bottom Line
Teaching the Quran to an autistic child requires an individualized and flexible approach. By incorporating these ten tips, educators and parents can create a supportive and effective learning environment:
By implementing these strategies, we can create an inclusive and empowering learning experience for autistic children, enabling them to connect with the Quran’s teachings and find spiritual fulfilment.
Through patience, understanding, and a flexible approach, we can ensure that every child, regardless of their unique challenges, has the opportunity to develop a meaningful and lifelong connection with the Quran.
