In a lesson on functions I provided a student with autism the input and output mapping on the left as opposed to the problems like the one on the right. This student, as I’ve written before, loves comics and superheroes and villains. He was tasked with matching (mapping) people with super powers with the organization to which they belong. He completed the assignment eagerly and quickly.
Engagement Through Individual Interest
I have a student with autism who loves comic books, especially DC and Marvel, and is often disinterested in the math I have to offer. In an activity to shop for clothes using a $200 gift card, 40% discount and 6% sales tax I gave this student a print out of comic books for his shopping – see photo below for part of what he was given. He immediately worked through the problem. 