Defining special educational conditions for teaching natural science to schoolchildren with autism spectrum disorders at the basic general education level

Introduction . The article presents the reasoning for the need to create special educational conditions for students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in the process of learning of natural science, particularly physics, in primary school. Based on an analysis of scientific publications, it examines the psychosocial characteristics and special educational needs of this category of students at the basic general education level. It sets the special conditions for conducting lessons and practical work in physics, as well as the conditions for assessment procedures in the implementation of the Federal Working Program (FWP) in basic general education "Physics" for students with ASD. Materials and Methods. The study is based on a systematic activity-based approach that underpins the education of children with disabilities, particularly students with ASD. The research materials include scientific publications reflecting the psychosocial development features and special educational needs of children with ASD in primary school. The research method involved the analyses of scientific publications and regulatory documents, particularly the adapted educational program for this category of students. The results of the analysis of scientific publications were summarized and structured in several areas, allowing for the formalization and sequential presentation of special educational conditions for studying natural science by students with ASD at the basic general education level. Results. Based on the analysis of the psychosocial development features and special educational needs of students with ASD at the basic general education level, special conditions for conducting lessons and practical work with this category of students in primary school physics classes have been identified and set. The description of special educational conditions is structured into the following sections: spatial-temporal conditions, material and technical conditions, educational and didactic conditions, psychological-pedagogical conditions, and staffing conditions. Special conditions for conducting assessment procedures in the implementation of the Federal Working Program (FWP) in basic general education "Physics" for students with ASD are described in the same systematic manner. Discussion and Conclusions. The article defends the necessity of creating special educational conditions when studying natural science, particularly physics, in primary school for students with ASD, even if they possess specific giftedness in the field of natural sciences. The special educational conditions are described and systematized in several sections, which will facilitate their implementation in the practical activities of physics teachers. The article discusses the prospects of research related to the testing of the identified set of special educational conditions and the expert evaluation from practitioners—physics teachers working in inclusive primary school settings.