What is a developmental characteristic shared by students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and neurotypical peers?

Students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their neurotypical peers both learn most effectively at their instructional level. This means that regardless of neurodevelopmental differences, students thrive when academic materials and tasks align with their current understanding and abilities. Tailoring instruction to the individual learner promotes engagement and success, as it allows both students with ASD and neurotypical students to build confidence and comprehension.

This shared characteristic underscores the importance of differentiated instruction in educational settings. It emphasizes the idea that all learners, regardless of their developmental profile, benefit from being presented with content that challenges them appropriately without being overwhelming.

While some students may show variable cognitive growth or unique developmental timelines, effective learning strategies that focus on the instructional level remain a universal aspect of educational development for all learners.