A guide for teachers, aides, and school staff working with students on the autism spectrum. These evidence-based strategies make a real difference.

Creating a Supportive Environment

• ✓Keep the classroom organized and predictable
• ✓Use visual supports everywhere — schedules, labels, rules
• ✓Reduce sensory overload (flickering lights, loud buzzers, cluttered walls)
• ✓Establish clear routines and give advance notice of changes

Communication Strategies

• ✓Use clear, concrete language (avoid idioms and sarcasm)
• ✓Give one instruction at a time
• ✓Allow processing time (5-10 seconds) before repeating
• ✓Use visual instructions alongside verbal ones
• ✓Learn and respect the child's communication style

Behavior Support

• ✓Focus on why the behavior is happening (escape, attention, access, sensory)
• ✓Use positive reinforcement generously
• ✓Provide choices to increase cooperation
• ✓Avoid power struggles — offer alternatives
• ✓Have a calm-down plan in place before behaviors escalate

Building Strengths

• ✓Identify and leverage special interests in lessons
• ✓Celebrate effort, not just results
• ✓Give classroom jobs that build confidence
• ✓Allow alternative ways to demonstrate knowledge (verbal, visual, hands-on)
• ✓Recognize that different doesn't mean less

Collaborating with Families

• ✓Ask parents what works at home
• ✓Share successes, not just challenges
• ✓Invite the family's BCBA to consult
• ✓Read the IEP thoroughly and follow it