Paula Kluth

Hanging In There: Keeping Students with Autism
Comfortable, Relaxed, and Focused

Learners with autism often struggle to stay seated, remain focused, and engage in required work or assigned tasks. With proper supports and adaptations, however, students may be able to increase their time on-task and remain comfortable even during longer periods of whole-class instruction.

A Supportive Communication Partner

The following strategies may help any teacher, family member, or support person as they work to understand, listen to, and communicate with students with autism.

Calm in Crisis

I walked into a fifth-grade classroom and saw a student with autism sprawled out on the floor. The classroom paraprofessional was standing over the boy, warning him, “Get up now or you won’t get computer time.” The boy began crying and then biting his hand.

Telling Social Secrets

For many with autism, engaging in a social interaction is like playing a game without knowing the rules. Some individuals report that the social demands of making small talk or walking into a party can create stress, anxiety, and panic; they may feel as if everyone else knows the secrets necessary for success and they do not.

Getting Comfortable in the Inclusive Classroom

Sometimes students with autism are unsuccessful in school because they are uncomfortable or feel unsafe or even afraid in their educational environment. Providing an appropriate learning environment can be as central to a student's success as any teaching strategy or educational tool.

Supporting Students with Autism: 10 Ideas for Inclusive Classrooms

As I speak with colleagues in primary and secondary schools, I have noticed that many teaching veterans understand how to include students with learning disabilities, cognitive disabilities, emotional disabilities, and physical disabilities in general education classrooms; but they remain puzzled at how to support and teach students with autism in these same environments and learning experiences.

Using Strengths, Fascinations, & Areas of Expertise in the Classroom

Whenever possible, educators should use interests, strengths, skills, areas of expertise, and gifts as tools for teaching.

Getting Ready for School: Transition Tips for Students with Autism

For many learners with autism, transitions are the toughest part of schooling. Moving from classroom to classroom or teacher to teacher can be stressful enough, but moving from building to building is almost always a process filled with anxiety and trepidation. These strategies are designed to prepare the learner with autism for a new school or a new schooling experience (e.g., an inclusive classroom) and can be used days or months before the student arrives in the inclusive school or classroom. These strategies can also be used throughout the school year.