When I ask parents and educators why they prompt children with different learning styles, I very often get the answer ‘because I want him to do it on his own, to become independent’.

I understand that this is an ultimate goal for every parent, carer or educator but here are some facts which I want you to take on board when you are scaffolding. Why do we scaffold for autistic kids?

1. to reduce frustration and anxiety

2. to help child understand their expected role and to focus on the most important objectives

3. to increase motivation and builds interest in tasks or opportunities

4. to clarify purpose and meaning of an activity

Of course, the long-term goal for scaffolding is and should always be independence.