Introduction to Autism Online Tutorial
	Module 2: Ways to Help in the Classroom Problems and Solutions In this section, we’ll look at some of the characteristics and educational needs of students with autism, and outline strategies to help meet these needs. Please note that these are just brief overviews of the strategies. Consult the resources provided with each strategy for more information. Educational Need:Preference for predictability, structure, and routine. Possible Strategies: Keep a consistent classroom routine, and introduce any changes gradually. Use a visual classroom schedule. Write a Social Story for the student about how sometimes things change, and that this is okay. To learn more about using schedules and structured classrooms, please view this video from Dr. Jim Ball. Educational Need: Difficulty with transitions. Possible Strategies: If a student has difficulty transitioning from activity to activity (such as independent work time to circle time), try creating a picture schedule of the day’s activities for the student. It should be placed where the student can see it, and a smaller copy of the schedule can be made to fit on the student’s desk if needed. Provide transition warnings. Before beginning a new activity, give the student a five-minute and a one-minute transition warning. It can be as simple as, “Thomas, in five minutes we are going to clean up blocks and go to circle time.” Then repeat the warning at one-minute. It increases compliance much more than abruptly directing a child to clean up without warning when he or she wasn’t prepared for that transition. Use transition objects: provide a student with a small item such as a sensory toy to carry while transitioning to another classroom or activity. Provide a box or other place to put the item once you’ve arrived at the new destination, so that the student knows he can’t keep holding it during the new activity. See “Line-Up Balls” for an example. Use transition songs: sing a song about walking in the hall and where you’re going during the walk to the other classroom. Another example that many teachers use is singing a “clean-up” song when cleaning up and preparing to transition to a new activity. Next --> Problems and Solutions, Continued