Managing a Group of Autistic Children: Training for Educators in Structured Settings
Concrete strategies to effectively lead and support a group of children with varied needs
Leading a group of autistic children presents a particular challenge for educators. Each child has their own profile, needs, reactions, and what works for one may not suit another. Communication difficulties, sensory peculiarities, and the need for predictability all accumulate in the group dynamic. Specific training allows educators to acquire the necessary strategies to effectively manage these complex situations.
The Specific Challenges of Group Management
Managing a group of autistic children fundamentally differs from managing a neurotypical group. Autistic children often struggle to understand the implicit rules of the group, to wait their turn, and to share the adult's attention. Transitions, frequent in group activities, are critical moments. Emotional contagion can quickly shift the group's atmosphere if a child goes into crisis.
recommended adult/children ratio
ideal maximum group size
of incidents related to poorly prepared transitions
Knowing Each Child in the Group
The first step for effective group management is to know each child individually: their communication style, level of understanding, sensory peculiarities, interests, stress signals, and regulation strategies. A summary sheet for each child, accessible to all adults, helps maintain this shared knowledge.
Individual Profile Sheet
For each child, document: language level and preferred communication style, level of understanding of instructions, sensory peculiarities (what calms / what disturbs), interests and motivations, alert signals (precursors of stress), effective regulation strategies, behaviors to avoid reinforcing. This sheet is an essential tool for the team.
Structuring Space and Time
Space Organization
The space should be organized into clear zones with identifiable functions: collective activity area, individual work area, gathering area, retreat area. This visual structuring helps children understand what is expected in each space. Floor markings, movable partitions, and defined corners contribute to this clarity.
Visual Collective Schedule
A visual collective schedule, displayed and regularly consulted, allows everyone to know what will happen next. Individual schedules complement this support for children who need them. Referring to the schedule before each transition helps children anticipate the change.
COCO: a tool for group activities
The COCO PENSE and COCO BOUGE program from DYNSEO can be used in groups with adaptations. Each child can work at their level on cognitive games. The active breaks COCO BOUGE can be done collectively, creating a fun sharing moment. It is a structuring support for tablet activity times.
Discover COCOManaging Transitions
Transitions are the most at-risk moments in group management. Preparing each transition (announcement, gradual warnings, clear signal), using consistent rituals, and planning activities for waiting times significantly reduces difficulties. Physical support for the most challenged children may be necessary.
- Announce the transition in advance (5-10 minutes)
- Remind what will follow on the schedule
- Use a constant signal (song, bell, timer)
- Give gradual warnings (5 min, 2 min, now)
- Propose a transition activity (song, nursery rhyme)
- Physically support children who need it
- Praise successful transitions
Leading Collective Activities
Group activities must be adapted to the abilities of all children, with differentiated levels of difficulty. Instructions are short, concrete, accompanied by demonstrations and visual supports. The educator checks understanding individually. Activity times are short with frequent breaks.
"Training in group management was a breakthrough. I learned to anticipate, to structure, to differentiate. Days are much smoother now, and the children are calmer. What has changed the most is my way of preparing transitions: that’s where everything was at stake."
DYNSEO Training for Educators
The training "Supporting a Child with Autism: Keys and Solutions for Daily Life" from DYNSEO provides the necessary fundamentals for educators. It covers understanding autism, communication strategies, and applicable support techniques in groups.
Discover the training💡 Additional Resources
The DYNSEO guide for supporting autistic children offers strategies applicable in groups. For structures also welcoming adults, the guide for supporting autistic adults complements these resources.
Conclusion: a Skill that Can Be Acquired
Managing a group of autistic children is a complex skill that requires specific training and practice. Knowing each child, structuring the environment, preparing transitions, and differentiating activities are the keys to successful group support. Tools like COCO and DYNSEO training support educators in this skill development.
