The approach of simple mechanical phenomena in the field of Autism Spectrum Disorders

Abstract

This paper examines the physics ability of pupils with autism spectrum disorder. For this reason a folk Physics test was given to 19 adolescents with high functioning autism spectrum disorder and 55 adolescents with typical development. Results showed that adolescents with autism scored statistical higher compared to those of typical development. It seems therefore that pupils with autism have intact their folk physics ability. Hence, it is time for science education researchers to turn their attention in exploring how pupils with autism could be taught and learn physics in the most appropriate way.