I-M-A-N Approach: a creative method to teach autistic children verbal communication / Razanawati Nordin, Marzlin Marzuki and Rofiza Aboo Bakar

Traditional teaching methods offer a structured curriculum that assists neurotypical students in staying focused. However, traditional teaching methods are not suitable for autistic children due to the lack of flexibility and creativity required to effectively engage autistic children in verbal communication, resulting in limited progress and frustration for both parents and children. Due to the complex condition of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), these children can pose an overpowering challenge for educators. Therefore, integrating two theories, Cohen’s Theory of Mindblindness and Reid’s Perceptual Learning Styles, the first researcher has created a simple flexible teaching method for her autistic son. By applying the I-M-A-N approach which has promoted game and playful learning for the past 13 years, the researcher instills excitement to emphasize learning verbal communication via the stimulation of sensory. It works with her autistic child and she aspires to share with other parents who would like to guide their autistic children to communicate. The method introduces a simple framework to assist parents in designing and conducting simple and short activities. By following the four steps that use household ítems with personalized instruction, parents can create an interactive learning environment tailored to the needs of autistic children. By executing this method, parents can reduce the costs of therapies, provide stimulation, improve parent/child relationships, and enrich their children's learning experiences. By addressing the unique needs of autistic children, this approach promotes diversity and enables individuals with ASD to reach their full potential, fostering better integration into society and improving well-being. The implications of this research will benefit individuals with ASD, the parents of ASD children, teachers, health practitioners, speech therapists, and policymakers in Malaysia and other countries in developing policies related to education, health, and ASD issues.