Children with autism disorder have slow brain development, leading to challenges in social interaction and communication, such as difficulties in social performance in school settings. If parents want to teach the Quran to their autistic kids, here we present various strategies and techniques that can assist teachers and parents in teaching the Quran to a child with autism, which involves enhancing communication skills through encouragement, love, patience, and other approaches that inspire a love for the Holy Quran and foster excellence in the child.

Guide To Teaching Quran to An Autistic Child

Here are some tips to teach the quran to an autistic child in interactive ways.

1. Design a Well-formulated Plan

Many children with autism possess remarkable cognitive abilities, making them capable of participating in online Quran classes for kids. However, these children must receive instruction from a teacher who can offer a well-defined curriculum and a consistent program throughout their learning journey. 

Autistic children thrive in environments that provide specialized support and a reliable daily routine. This stability fosters a sense of safety, allowing them to focus on learning without the anxiety of unexpected changes. Therefore, the educator must prioritize this aspect by crafting an engaging and comfortable learning atmosphere where the child can explore and showcase their remarkable capabilities while helping them understand quran word by word.

Creating such an environment not only facilitates effective learning but also empowers the child to flourish academically and personally.

2. Help Your Children Enhance Their Abilities

The Quran tutor should actively identify the unique strengths and talents that each autistic child possesses, taking the time to nurture and enhance these abilities. Many autistic children find it hard to feel confident and might not take the lead during class activities. To help them, Quran teachers need to offer regular encouragement and support, which can help these students slowly build the confidence they need to succeed.

Creating a supportive environment is also very important. It’s essential to avoid scolding or raising your voice when a child has trouble following instructions or makes mistakes. These reactions can hurt their self-esteem and make it harder for them to grow independently. Instead, being patient and offering gentle guidance helps nurture their independence and rebuild their confidence, enabling them to grow both academically and socially.

3. Cultivating a Distraction-Free Learning Environment

Children with autism frequently have an increased sensitivity to loud noises, which can cause significant difficulties in their academic pursuits. Many of these children may become overwhelmed by the noise of their surroundings, occasionally withdrawing into a world of silence to escape the aural mess. To nurture a welcoming and supportive environment for learning the Quran easily at home, parents and teachers need to shape the classroom environment.

This involves the following things:

  • Minimizing disruptive sounds that can interrupt concentration and fostering a serene.
  • Tranquil space where children can immerse themselves in their studies.
  • Employing soft lighting, incorporating soothing colours, and utilizing sound-absorbing materials can contribute to a calming ambience.
  • Additionally, creating quiet zones with soft furnishings or sensory tools can provide children with safe havens to retreat to when they feel overstimulated. 

By prioritizing a peaceful and supportive environment, the online egyptian quran teachers at Quran Grace are rendering commendable services for autistic kids. They empower these children to fully engage with their learning, allowing them to flourish in their academic journey while significantly enhancing their overall educational experience.

4. Encourage and Appreciate Them

It’s vital to create an environment filled with encouragement where the child feels valued and their efforts are recognized with genuine praise. Instead of focusing on errors or shortcomings, the tutor should approach each interaction with positivity, gently guiding the child without drawing attention to their mistakes. Demonstrating warmth, affection, and patience plays a crucial role in fostering effective communication skills and creating a supportive bond that significantly enhances the learning experience for the autistic child. Apply these tricks to keep them feeling encouraged and loved.

  • Clap for them
  • Give them small digital rewards
  • Give them sticker stars or small toy gifts
  • Give them a standing ovation
  • Make them the leader of the day, etc

5. Constantly Repeat Lessons

An autistic child often requires lessons to be repeated multiple times to respond effectively and fully grasp the concepts being taught, as their brain is developing slowly. Such kids need a patient teacher who can listen, repeat, and communicate with the student easily. This approach not only nurtures a love for understanding the Quran but also aids in sharpening his ability to recite quran beautifully and accurately from a young age.

6. Avoid Body Language and Continuous Eye Contact

An autistic child often avoids physical contact, unlike typically developing children. While they crave attention and affection from their parents and teachers, many autistic children are not comfortable with physical touch or demonstrations of affection. For them, making eye contact can be a source of significant distress, so they tend to engage with others in ways that don’t involve it. Instead, they may focus their attention on their surroundings while enjoying conversations.

In this context, a tutor can effectively show love and care for an autistic child by engaging in play, sharing activities that the child enjoys, or expressing affection through words rather than touch. This approach helps create a supportive environment tailored to the child’s needs.

7. Using Sign Language and Flashcards

Engaging an autistic children in the classroom through sign language and card representation helps them stay engaged. This gesture signifies the child’s growing awareness that the person before them can interpret their intentions and recognize what they are indicating. Incorporating visual supports such as pictures, symbols, or other visual materials can profoundly assist a child who struggles with understanding or using verbal language. These aids bridge the gap between thought and expression, empowering the child to convey their needs and ideas effectively.

It is essential to employ signs and visual cues that represent concrete objects or concepts, as children on the autism spectrum often exhibit stronger visual processing skills compared to their auditory abilities. By utilizing descriptive images and symbols, communication becomes more accessible and engaging. 

8. Narrate Stories From the Quran

Picture stories that help an autistic child understand the sequence of events are very important for a child with autism because he has a problem understanding language, sequence, and succession.

The cards displayed by the teacher play a crucial role in helping students grasp the concept of sequence as they engage with the material. As the child reads the Quran along with a story, the teacher presents these events through pictures, which not only activate their visual memory but also boost their classroom interaction.

9. Keep Your Tone Low

In Islamic teachings, it is emphasized that our behaviour should adhere to the principles of proper morals and etiquette as guided by Islam. One key aspect is the manner of speaking; it is advised to communicate in a clear and audible voice rather than a loud one. 

It is further noted that even when making supplications to Allah Almighty, one should avoid raising their voice excessively. Maintaining a moderate tone while supplicating is considered important etiquette. When it comes to teaching autistic kids, the tutor must understand that such kids get perplexed and scared by a loud and raised voice. Ao, make sure you speak politely and help them love to read the Quran

10. Exhibit Affection and Love

An autistic child needs consistent reassurance of your love and care. It’s essential to actively demonstrate your affection in ways that resonate with them. Children on the autism spectrum may struggle to verbalize their emotions, so showing your support and concern becomes even more crucial. In Quran classes, dedicated tutors must try to cultivate a deep appreciation for the Quran within these children. They create engaging and nurturing environments that encourage the child to respond positively, read, and embrace the teachings of the Quran just like any other child would, fostering a sense of belonging and connection.

Conclusion

Quran Grace provides various methods within its online quran classes specifically designed to facilitate positive interactions with autistic children. The goal is to help these children become proficient in the recitation and memorization of the Quran. The program includes experienced male and female tutors who possess the skills necessary to teach the Holy Quran while promoting a supportive and encouraging environment for autistic learners. 

Interested parents can book a free trial session for their autistic child, initiating a transformative Quranic journey that has the potential to impact their lives positively.