Introduction to Autism Online Tutorial
	Module 2: Ways to Help in the Classroom Problems and Solutions Educational Need: Sensory issues. Possible Strategies: consult with your school’s occupational therapist to help with ideas to help the student with sensory processing. Use alternatives to fluorescent lighting if possible. Provide the student with warnings if you know a loud sound is coming (for example, let the student know that the bell is about to ring, so he can cover his ears if he wants to). Educational Need: Difficulties with social interaction. Possible Strategies: provide direct instruction on social skills. Dr. Paula Kluth describes this as “telling social secrets.” What she means is helping students with the “unspoken rules” of social relationships that they might not pick up on without intervention. An example of an “social rule” she uses is, “If you give an answer then you should let someone else give the next answer.” Social stories are one way to communicate social information to students. As Dr. Kluth states, “Too often students are reprimanded or punished for ‘bad behavior’ when they are actually confused, naïve, or misinformed. Providing social secrets to these students can help them avoid embarrassment, angst, and anxiety.” Next --> Problems and Solutions, Continued