Iranian English Teachers' Issues Regarding Teaching Autistic Children

Children with autism spectrum disorder are being diagnosed at an increasing rate all over the world. The difficulties faced by English language learners have been extensively studied. The teachers of autistic children, meanwhile, have received little attention. This study looks at problems faced by English language instructors working with autistic students .In order to accomplish the objectives of this study, six English language instructors from Nedaye Asr Rehabilitation Center volunteered to take part in this study. This study is a qualitative one and semi-structured in-depth interviews technique were held where the participants have to provide a detailed information about their teaching experience regarding autistic children. The findings revealed that English language teachers concurred that educating children with autism is difficult and that it is important to put them in special classrooms under a psychologist's supervision. Additionally, the majority of English language teachers agreed that social, communication, language, and behavioral issues should not take precedence over the basic needs of autistic pupils in general education classes .It is simpler for these kids to integrate into the English classroom when their academic needs are met. Additionally, English instructors should obtain sufficient in-service instruction to get beyond these obstacles. The use of visual media in customized instruction has been shown to have a significant impact on the success and motivation of autistic students in learning English. The co-play system, visual aids, and co-teaching techniques in inclusive classrooms all contributed to this effect by providing models for behaviour and behaviour, especially when it came to extracurricular activities. Teachers can better capture and maintain students' attention by using visual aids or other types of media. Policymakers, teachers, and even parents can benefit from the findings of this study by gaining a better understanding of the lives of students with autism, which will allow them to provide these students with more opportunities for career advancement.

Keywords:

Autism Spectrum Disorder , English as a Foreign Language , Teachers , Experience , Children