Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder
This acronym stands for a developmental difference that affects communication and behavior.
What is ASD?
Many students with autism learn best using this sense.
What is visual learning?
These are teaching methods proven by research to work for students with autism.
What are Evidence-Based Practices?
This term means using pictures, gestures, or devices to help someone communicate.
What is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)?
In the ABC model, this part comes before the behavior.
What is the Antecedent?
This federal law gives parents a voice in their child’s special-education plan.
What is IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)?
Every child with a disability is entitled to this free, individualized education.
What is FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education)?
Using a teaching method the same way it was designed shows this.
What is fidelity of implementation?
Autism is defined by challenges in these two main areas.
What are social communication and repetitive behaviors?
Understanding that other people have different thoughts and feelings is called this.
What is Theory of Mind?
This national group shares an official list of EBPs for autism.
What is the National Professional Development Center (NPDC) or NCAEP?
Students hand over picture symbols to ask for something when using this system.
What is PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System)?
The “B” in ABC stands for this.
What is the Behavior?
Sending regular updates and showing care builds this with families.
What is trust?
Students should learn with their peers as much as possible under this principle.
What is LRE (Least Restrictive Environment)?
Recording and reviewing progress helps teachers make these kinds of choices.
What are data-based or data-driven decisions?
Better awareness, improved testing, and broader definitions have caused this to rise over the years.
What is the rate of autism diagnosis or prevalence?
Starting work and sticking with it until finished shows this executive skill.
What is task initiation or attention?
This structured method teaches skills through short, repeated practice trials.
What is Discrete Trial Training (DTT)?
Watching short clips to learn new behaviors uses this strategy.
What is video modeling?
The “C” in ABC refers to what happens right after the behavior.
What is the Consequence?
Teachers must have this before sharing student information with others.
What is parent consent?
This law protects students with disabilities even if they don’t have an IEP.
What is Section 504?
Stories, peer practice, and videos help students improve this area.
What are social and communication skills?
This idea celebrates brain differences and views autism as part of natural human diversity.
What is neurodiversity?
Being extra sensitive or not noticing certain sounds, lights, or textures shows a difference in this.
What is sensory processing?
When teaching happens naturally during play or routines, it’s called this.
What is Incidental Teaching or Naturalistic Teaching?
Knowing how and when to speak in social situations shows this type of language.
What is pragmatic language?
Visual schedules and clear routines are examples of this proactive support.
What are preventative strategies?
Local resource centers and autism organizations are examples of these supports.
What are community resources?
This 2017 court case said IEPs must help students make meaningful progress.
What is Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District?
Adjusting an EBP to match a student’s needs and goals shows this teaching focus.
What is individualization?
Trouble with eye contact, little pretend play, and delayed speech are early signs of this condition.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Using a student’s favorite topic or interest to help them learn is an example of this approach.
What is strength-based or interest-based learning?
To count as “evidence-based,” a strategy must be supported by this type of proof.
What is published research showing success in more than one study?
Working with classmates in pairs or groups to build social skills is this kind of support.
What are peer-mediated or peer-buddy programs?
Seeing behavior as a way of communicating needs is part of this positive approach.
What is Positive Behavior Support?
Speaking clearly and respectfully in everyday language shows this best practice.
What is family-friendly communication?
Collecting data, keeping notes, and speaking up for students are all parts of this educator role.
What is advocacy?
Reflecting on “What worked and what can I do better?” shows this teacher habit.
What is reflective practice?