Do Kids With Autism Have a Hard Time Learning Colors?

Autism affects a wide range of capabilities including a person's ability to learn. Children with autism sometimes have difficulty learning colors but there isn't only one reason for this. In most cases it's not the colors themselves that are the difficulty but other aspects of autism that may inhibit all learning. By figuring out the specific reason a child is having trouble with colors, you will be better able to understand how the child learns and to set up education plans in the future.

  1. Language

    • Some children with autism have difficulty with language. In other words a child might know the color but not have the language ability to name it. If the child isn't answering verbally, then try other options such as asking the child to point to something red or pick up the yellow ball. Language difficulties can work in the other direction as well. The child may simply not understand the question. Use simple, concrete language such as, "Point to the blue square."

    Overstimulation

    • The child might be distracted by extraneous sensations such as colorful displays or noise. An uncluttered desk in a quiet room may produce better results than sitting at a table in a busy classroom. Don't give the child too many choices as this can be confusing. Start with two colors or objects to choose from to avoid overwhelming the student. If the child does well then you can try increasing the number of choices.

    Learning Styles

    • There are three styles of learning: visual (sight), auditory (hearing) and kinesthetic (touch). Most of us do better with one style of learning but are capable of learning in any style. However, people with autism often are able to learn through only one of these methods. A child who can't grasp the concept of color by looking at spots on a card might get it if you switch to colored balls he can handle. Another might be able to learn colors from a verbal description that an apple is red or a banana is yellow rather than looking at the objects.

    Synesthesia

    • Synesthesia is a condition where a person's sensory perceptions become confused. For example, a person might hear music and see colors, or see colors when looking at letters and numbers. Synesthesia is more common in people with autism than in the general population. A child who has synesthesia may be seeing colors that other people don't, so telling her to point to the blue circle may confuse her if she sees blue everywhere, or if she sees the blue circle as green.

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