Greater than. Less than. Equal to. Remember learning about the crocodile eating the bigger number? Kids need math to be engaging to fully wrap their heads around the concepts. With most children, a parent can rely on the school system to work within the curriculum. However, some might require an additional, hands-on approach through tutoring, or having a parent help with their homework. When it comes to teaching math to children with autism, they might need this and more. Often, a specific, individualized approach is necessary—one that aligns with their unique learning style, strengths, and challenges. At Monarch House, we can help you put these strategies and tools in place. Working together with caregivers, tutors, and educators, we can foster engagement and understanding into the fascinatingly symmetrical world of numbers. 

Here are ten effective ways to teach math to children with autism in Markham.

1. Focus on Strengths

You might find that your child really takes to mathematics if you share some enthusiasm with the topic. There are many thought-provoking elements to mathematics. It’s highly symmetrical, orderly, and replicable—things that individuals with autism are often particularly drawn to. Beyond interest, some children with autism have exceptional abilities in pattern recognition or memory, which can be leveraged in math instruction. Introduce puzzles, sequences, or number games that play to these strengths while gradually expanding their skills.

2. Simplify Language

Before delving too deep into the concepts of mathematics, make sure that your child understands each word, and what they mean in context. You might find that having a discussion around what the word ‘add’ actually means will make it less of an abstract concept and more of a common sense notion. Complex instructions can be confusing for children with autism. Use simple, direct language when explaining math concepts. For example, say “Add 2 and 3” instead of “Find the sum of these two numbers.” Pair verbal instructions with visual aids to enhance comprehension.

3. Incorporate Interests

Does your child love model airplanes and action figures? Connecting math problems to a child’s special interests increases motivation and engagement. For instance, If your child loves to line their planes up on the dining room table for takeoff, you can teach counting or create word problems about flight schedules to explore time and addition.

4. Use Visual Supports

Math is very abstract, so sometimes it helps to provide a concrete example. Children with autism often excel when information is presented visually. Incorporate tools like number lines, charts, graphs, and pictorial representations to make abstract concepts more concrete. For example, using pictures of apples to demonstrate addition can help bridge the gap between theory and practice.

5. Break Down Concepts

Don’t feel like you have to tackle the entire unit in one day. Factor in plenty of time for snacks, breaks, and fun activities to spread out the lesson plans. It’s not uncommon for math can feel overwhelming to some kids, especially when presented in large chunks. Slow it down. Break lessons into smaller, manageable steps. Maybe do one thing each morning before breakfast—such as learning to count before introducing addition—to build confidence and reduce frustration.

6. Use Hands-On Activities

There is a place for fine motor skills in the world of mathematics. Hands-on learning is particularly effective for children with autism. Tools like blocks, beads, or counters allow children to physically manipulate objects while solving problems. This tactile approach reinforces learning through active participation.

7. Incorporate Technology

There are many other children who have struggled with math, and many other parents in your situation, who want to help, but don’t know where to start. This need has created multiple technological aids to help solve these problems for you. Math apps and interactive games can make learning fun and accessible. Programs designed for children with autism, such as Prodigy Math or Mathseeds, often include visual cues, rewards, and adaptive difficulty levels to maintain engagement.

8. Establish Predictable Routines

Set time aside every day in the morning to break out the textbook and go over one section together. Or, have your child set aside fifteen minutes on a math app each night before game time begins. However you do it, just be consistent every day. Children with autism thrive in structured environments. Establish ongoing routines for math lessons, including clear start and end points. Use schedules or timers to provide a sense of predictability and help manage transitions.

9. Provide Positive Reinforcement

A special trip together is a memorable way to reward your child for finishing a unit in their class. Or maybe it’s a bubble tea or comic book. No matter how you go about it, celebrate successes, no matter how small, to build confidence and motivation. Use praise, rewards, or token systems to encourage participation and persistence. Positive reinforcement fosters a growth mindset and reduces anxiety around making mistakes.

10. Adapt to Sensory Needs

Find a peaceful, quiet area where you can do your best work together. Be mindful of sensory sensitivities that might impact learning. For example, minimize background noise and harsh lighting in the classroom. Offer breaks or sensory tools, like stress balls, to help children self-regulate during lessons.

Your child might not be doing quadratic equations by the end of the year, but giving them some valuable one-on-one tutoring and attention when it comes to their math can make a huge difference. At Monarch House we have a professional, interdisciplinary staff of occupational therapists, behavioural therapists, psychotherapists, and speech pathologists that are here to help you carve out space and make plans around incorporating math instruction into your child’s life. One of the ways we do this is through individualized education plans (IEPs). We can support your child by working with teachers to tailor math goals to the child’s specific abilities and needs. We can help you find patience and flexibility by taking some of the workload off your shoulders.  Working together, we need to keep in mind that progress may be gradual, so we celebrate incremental improvements and adapt strategies as needed. Our occupational or behavioural therapists can help you and educators align teaching methods with the child’s overall development goals. By adopting these strategies, we can create a supportive and effective learning environment, empowering children with autism in Markham to build essential math skills and confidence.