School districts are required to provide an appropriate education to all students. You might discover that some of your teaching styles (such as your course pacing) are difficult for an autistic student, and you can change some of these accordingly. If your school district deems this critical for one of your students, stay in touch with the aide about the learning experience. These young people are paired with an expert, and they stay together all day long as the student learns in school. Some schools offer one-on-one instruction for students with autism. Look for ways to scatter activities like this throughout the day. Set aside a corner of your classroom for this activity.

Students with autism often appreciate an opportunity for calm meditation throughout the school day. The bright lights, colorful artwork, and loud voices that fill a classroom can be too stimulating for some students. Just as autistic students need a space to focus and think, they may also benefit from relaxing areas.

Take them back when you’re speaking to the class again, but reintroduce them when the student should focus. Offer earplugs during quiet classroom moments, including those involving private study or test-taking. Your noisy, boisterous classroom filled with rowdy students could be too much for an autistic student to bear. Many children with autism have sensory sensitivities that cause pain or distress. Replace it when you give another command. Speak your instruction, and place the card in a prominent spot, such as the upper corner of your chalkboard or whiteboard. Each one could be a flashcard cue for your classroom. Think hard, and you probably have many more commands you give your students regularly. Use this card to release students from their desks for unstructured time.

504 plan accommodations list autism