Teaching Students with Autism: A Guide for Educators

Across the country, the number of children diagnosed as having autism has increased substantially and many of these students are in general education classrooms. How can general education teachers and other education professionals address their complex communication, social and learning needs?

We believe that all students deserve a great public education–and part of that experience is having access to the general curriculum and school experience.

Inclusion is not about disability, nor is it only about schools. Inclusion is about social justice. Inclusion demands that we ask, what kind of world do we want to create? –Mara Sapon-Shevin, Syracuse University

In this guide, we cover areas key to building an inclusive education that sets educators and students up for success from day 1. The guide include sections on:

• collaborating with families and caregivers
• collaborating with education support professionals, specialized instruction support personnel, and others part of the IEP team
• understanding student learning styles and needs
• adapting lessons and units, particularly through universal design for learning principles.