Everyday Teaching Autism Resources

We are still at the beginning of a new school year. Setting up an efficient and meaningful classroom for students with autism requires several important components.

1. The clear and highly structured physical classroom setting
2. An individualized program for each student in the program based on his or her IEP goals
3. Small, large group, and 1:1 instructions scheduled in students’ daily and weekly schedule
4. Motivational and age-appropriate materials and activity ideas in the learning experience
5. Collaboration with other IEP team members and staff
6. Create a class rule and display

Autism classroom rules and norms were discussed and created by the team members including the students and it is important to display where everyone can see and refer.

For my students and staff members, I made a list of 5 rules.  They are written in simple and positive language. It is nice to have them printed on the wall. Then, I felt the need to elaborate further for my staff members to be on the same with our teaching philosophies. They are:

1. Give students time to process information.
2. Remain calm and completely reduce verbal language when challenging behaviors occur.
3. Always model and show how to do something first before asking them or expecting them to do it.
4. Prompt students to take a break if there are signs of frustration or dysregulation. It is okay to take a break.
5. In order to get full attention, address students by their names first.
6. Ensure you have excellent timekeeping.
7. Ensure transnational supports are in place to support students at all times. Time timer, schedule, etc.
8. Keep verbal language to a minimum, ensuring keywords are modeled.