Summary
Montessori stated, “Education is not what the teacher gives; education is a natural process
spontaneously carried out by the human individual, and is acquired not by listening to words, but
through experiences in the environment (Montessori, 1967, p.7)” The early childhood Montessori
environment provides opportunities for children with Autism, to actively engage with
sensorial equipment without unnecessary intervention. Dr. Montessori originally designed her
philosophy to benefit children with special needs. With this success, her approach has grown and is
now practised all over the world. Her tactile method supports current research where findings
suggest that the optimum environment is one where children with Autism learn best through
real-life, first hand experiences.
Early constructivist theories inform us that a structured environment and participating in appropriate
experiences shape the child’s learning and development. Children with Autism flourish in
early childhood education where they are understood by their teachers and the programme is
adapted to their individual needs. Montessori early childhood education consists of
integral learning components in an atmosphere that uses materials to enhance the skills of
children with learning differences. Combine this with teachers that are knowledgeable about
children with Autism and who have strong bonds with the parents, this should become an ideal
environment for the child with Autism to learn and thrive.
Dr. Montessori discovered that learning is also accomplished through movement. The impact of
movement on learning and cognition is scientifically proven, and this is closely intertwined. Montessori has movement at the core; no rows of desks, but rather an environment where children
are actively engaged in their studies, and learning is not focused on rote drill and memorisation, but
on a child’s exploration of a concept until it is mastered; the process of learning being integral. This
supports the child with Autism as it allows them to learn at their own pace and the focus is on
the process and not the product.
This also highlights one of the many benefits of Montessori in an international community—the
acquisition of skills and the sensorial materials are universal. No matter where a school is located or
what language the child and teacher speak, the materials are effective learning tools. In this sense,
Montessori education has not only stood the test of time but also transcends national boundaries and
the barrier of language. Montessori’s over one-hundred-year history makes it a proven, time-tested
educational methodology (Keenan, 2008). However, I would argue that without continual
professional learning, and critical reflection, this will not continue.
A true Montessori school is faithful to the methodology’s focus on the child, continually
incorporates new research in child development into its programme and continually strives to make
the school environment more conducive to exploration and discovery for all learners. By creating
these exceptional educational environments for children with Autism, we will maintain the integrity
of Montessori in the 21st
century (Kennan, 2008).