EDU 431

In the article “Not Thinking in Pictures,” Williams expresses three different types of specialized thinking, they include visual thinking (thinking in pictures), verbal logical thinking, musical and mathematical thinking) Visual thinkers enjoy art, using concrete objects, and translate pictures into words before they are spoken. Verbal logical thinkers are comfortable using lists and numbers. Musical and mathematical thinkers use patterns. “All minds of the autism spectrum are detail-oriented, but how they specialize varies.” We must not concentrate on what individuals with ASD cannot do, but build on the child’s strengths and teach them according to their basic pattern of learning.
The article “Autism- The Way I See It,” Temple Grandin discusses how children with ASD do not see pictures at all but pictures as something to flap, chew or lick. Children with ASD do not always see whole objects or images, understanding the concept. The article made me realize that not everyone sees what I see, when Grandin described asking for a tooth-pick. She broke down the experience in a way that was helpful in understanding how she understands objects. As a future teacher this is very important for us to understand for all students since we do not all experience or learn in the same ways.
After reading both articles it is evident that all students can learn with the correct concrete objects, patterns, numbers, or system that builds on their strengths, not their weaknesses. We must keep in mind that we all see things in different light so we must give our students the opportunity to learn in those situations.