Did you know that you can set your autistic student up for success, just by making a few changes to your classroom or buying the right autism materials? We’ve put these tips together to help you start the school year off right.

Use Visual Supports

• Post a classroom schedule as well as an individual schedule that the student can refer to throughout the day. Knowing what to expect will decrease anxiety and increase independence.
• For the first day of school have a seating chart ready before the student with autism arrives. Have a plan in place to help them identify and find their seat.
• Often students with autism have a difficult time understanding personal space.  Define personal space by drawing masking tape outlines on the floor. Make sure there is plenty of room between desks.

Pay careful attention to where the child with autism is seated.

• If possible talk to last year’s teacher. What worked well for the child last year?  Was the child seated in front of the class, in the back, or side of the class?
• When deciding where your special student will sit be aware of noise.  Many students with autism process normal sound as too loud or quiet. It can be difficult for these students to filter out background noise. Have the autistic student sit away from the hallway, pencil sharpener or water fountain.  Have on hand ear muffs or ear plugs.
• Keep in mind who will sit next to the student with autism. Is there a child in your class who is especially helpful, kind, or compassionate? If so let them sit next to the student with autism.

Minimize Distractions

Children with autism pay attention to details and can miss the big picture.

• Wall charts and posters can distract from your teaching.
• While teaching, try to teach in front of a blank background (i.e. a chalkboard with with minimal writing).
• Minimize distractions by storing unnecessary or large equipment in closed cabinets.

Provide Calm Place

Change is difficult for people with autism. A new school year, new class, and a new teacher can be overwhelming for the child with autism. Try to create a quiet area for your autistic student to go for breaks. This could be a table with dividers or a small area in the corner of the classroom with a bean bag chair and some headphones. The area should be free of visual distractions and easily accessible. When you notice the child becoming agitated direct them to their quiet place. It’s better to let the child calm down when they begin to get frustrated instead of waiting for a full meltdown.

Pay Attention to Sensory Stimulation

Normal sensory experiences can seem overwhelming or even painful for the child with autism.

• Fluorescent lighting can be distracting or even give the child with autism headaches.  You may want to purchase some classroom light filters.
• Students with autism can be very sensitive to smells avoid air fresheners and perfume.
• If the child is especially sensitive to sound make sure to give them warnings before loud or unexpected sounds such as fire drills. Have a set of headphones available to help with noise.

We hope these tips will help you have a successful start to your school year.

For more helpful tips visit Autism 101 for Teachers.