Strengths and Abilities
This strength allows autistic students to notice patterns, errors, or small changes that others might overlook.
What is being detail-oriented?
Autistic students may have difficulty understanding body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice, which are examples of this type of communication.
What is non-verbal communication?
To help autistic students avoid distractions, teachers can allow them to sit in a less overwhelming area. This is called providing what?
What is preferred seating?
To ensure instructions are understood, teachers should avoid sarcasm and figurative speech and instead use this type of language.
What is clear and direct language?
Autism varies greatly from student to student, meaning there is no single way to teach all autistic students. This is because autism is considered what?
What is a spectrum?
Many autistic students have an excellent ability to recall facts, dates, or information for a long time.
What is strong memory?
A student who covers their ears in a loud cafeteria or avoids bright lights may have this type of sensitivity.
What is sensory sensitivity?
To reduce sensory overload, teachers can provide these devices that block out background noise.
What are noise-canceling headphones?
Using pictures, graphic organizers, or written instructions to help reinforce spoken directions is an example of this type of classroom support.
What are visual supports?
To help autistic students follow lessons, teachers should use step-by-step instructions, visual aids, and predictable routines. This is an example of what kind of instruction?
What is clear and structured instruction?
Autistic students often develop deep knowledge and expertise in subjects like math, music, or art.
What is excelling in certain content areas?
Hand-flapping, rocking, and repeating certain words or phrases are examples of these behaviors.
What are repetitive behaviors?
A teacher posts a step-by-step picture or written guide of the day’s schedule to help students prepare for transitions. This is called what?
What is a visual schedule?
Teachers can use role-playing, social stories, and modeling to help students understand classroom expectations and interactions. This is called teaching what?
What are social skills?
A student who is overwhelmed by bright lights, loud noises, or certain textures may need accommodations due to what kind of sensitivity?
What is sensory sensitivity?
A student who memorizes an entire map, a book passage, or a long list of numbers is using this ability.
What is increased memory retention?
This unexpected classroom event, such as a sudden schedule change or a substitute teacher, may cause distress for an autistic student.
What is a change in routine?
An autistic student struggles with transitions. One way to support them is by using a visual schedule and giving them this before a change happens.
What is an advance warning?
Some autistic students may struggle with verbal communication. Teachers can support them by allowing speech-to-text tools, AAC devices, or written responses, which are forms of this.
What is alternative communication?
Because some autistic students struggle with social cues, figurative language, and peer interactions, teachers should use strategies like role-playing, social stories, and alternative communication tools to support what?
What are social and communication skills?
Autistic students’ ability to focus intensely on specific topics or tasks for long periods is often referred to as this.
Autistic students may have difficulty forming friendships because of challenges with social interactions.
What are social skills?
Bright lights, loud noises, and excessive classroom decorations can overwhelm autistic students. To help, teachers should reduce this.
What is sensory overload?
Autistic students may need help managing emotions or sensory overload. Teachers can support them by allowing structured breaks, providing a safe signal, or creating an individualized plan called this.
What is a behavior support plan?
Autistic students may struggle with unexpected changes, so teachers should remain adaptable and use individualized strategies to provide support. This key teaching approach requires what two qualities?
What are flexibility and patience?