Abstract
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study is to explore on how teachers influence the development of social interaction for learners with autism spectrum disorder. This study intends to find out the efforts teachers use in supporting social interaction. To look on how existing teaching method and techniques are used to assist learners with autism. Also the challenges that teachers may face in teaching. The study specifically answers the question; how teachers aim to influence the development of social interaction for learners with autism in Primary school.
This study implies the qualitative research approach to answer the research question. The study was conducted in Arusha Tanzania mainly in primary schools. Two interviews were conducted to collect data. The interview participants are the teachers for learners with autism
The findings revealed that; Teachers are important factor for the development of child social interaction. Provision of good support and proper use of different techniques and method of teaching social interaction is necessary. Teachers explained different methods for assisting social interaction for learners with autism like, repetition of actions, plays and by simplifying the activities, enrolling children in organized social activities. Moreover teachers describe some problem such as; lack of knowledge. Poor support from parents, environment challenges and motivation as the hindrance to educational practice for learner with autism.
The study concludes that teachers play an important role in the development of social interaction of a child and can stimulate positive environment for relationship and interaction, regardless of all challenges they are facing. Based on the findings the study suggests that Teachers should get more skilled knowledge about autism syndrome disorder and the government and other supporters to provide economic and material support for education of learners with autism also more research is needed for the improvement of special need education.