Multidisciplinary Approaches in The Management of Autism Spectrum Disorder and The Role of Shadow Teaching

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder defined by social communication, interaction and behavioral problems. Educational and behavioral approaches such as sensory integration therapy are critically important in these individuals' education and development processes. These therapy and training programs provide methods that not only address the sensory processing differences of individuals with autism but also lead to significant improvements in motor skills, social communication and learning performance, instilling hope and optimism in the hearts of educators, researchers, and professionals in the field. In increasing the effectiveness of education and therapy, the profession of shadow teaching comes to the fore. Shadow tutors can provide one-to-one support by playing a critical role in understanding the needs of individuals with ASD in the classroom environment and implementing therapist recommendations. In addition, the role of technology in the educational processes of individuals with ASD is becoming increasingly important. Virtual reality applications, video-based training, and visually supported software are not just tools, but powerful aids that aim to significantly improve individuals' learning performance. These methods are effective in developing social and sensory skills. In this article, the importance of therapies for the education of individuals with ASD and the contributions of shadow tutors are discussed. The findings show that the therapies applied are an effective method to increase individuals' independence and quality of life. It is emphasized that shadow teachers should be trained to make this process more efficient, and their connections with relevant experts should be strengthened.