Elementary 4 12

Early Interventions for the Neurodiverse: Insights from the BASA Conference

At the October 2024 Buckeye Association of School Administrators (BASA) Conference in Ohio, district leaders came together to address a critical issue: ensuring equitable access to quality education for neurodiverse children.

Flexible Furniture in K-12 Schools: Recommendations for Supporting Neurodiverse and Autistic Students

Flexible furniture is increasingly seen as a critical tool in supporting the diverse needs of all students—including those who are autistic or neurodiverse. Research and expert advice underscore that the right classroom furniture can help optimize comfort, support sensory and mo

Optimizing K-12 Classrooms for Autistic Learners: 6 Design Strategies that Benefit All Students

The link between classroom design and learning outcomes is clear. In the past two decades much has been learned about ways to structure classrooms to reduce behavioral challenges and improve learning outcomes for students with autism. We now know that designing classrooms for au

5 Differentiated End-of-Year Activities to Keep Special Education Students Engaged

Adaptable for Multiple Developmental Levels & Learning Styles As the school year comes to a close, maintaining engagement in special education classrooms requires thoughtful planning. Students may be at varying developmental stages, with different learning profiles and support n

Ensuring Effective IDEA Mandated Extended School Year (ESY) Programs: Strategies to Prevent Skill Regression in Your District

Extended School Year (ESY) services are essential in supporting students with disabilities, ensuring they maintain their educational achievements during breaks in the standard academic calendar. Mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), ESY services aim

How to Prepare for a Client’s IEP Meeting - A Guide for Therapists

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legal document designed to outline the specific educational goals, objectives, and services a student with a disability requires to thrive within the public school system. In the United States, this process is governed by the Indivi

Social Skills Deficits: Bridging the Interaction Gap

This article is the third in our series on Key Root Causes of Disruptive Classroom Behaviors and How to Help

Sensory Processing Issues: Navigating Overwhelming Environments

This article is the second in our series on Key Root Causes of Disruptive Classroom Behaviors and How to Help

Strengthening the Student-Teacher Relationship as a Foundation for Positive Behavior

This article is the fifth in our series on Key Root Causes of Disruptive Classroom Behaviors . . . and How to Help

Environmental Factors: Crafting Supportive Learning Spaces

This article is the fourth in our series on Key Root Causes of Disruptive Classroom Behaviors and How to Help

Addressing Executive Functioning Challenges as a Root Cause of Disruptive Behaviors

This article is the final one in our series on Key Root Causes of Disruptive Classroom Behaviors and How to Help

Social & Emotional Development of 4-Year-Olds

Observing the social and emotional growth of 4-year-olds reveals a fascinating stage of development, where interactions, feelings, and self-perception evolve into more complex forms. This critical phase is marked by significant milestones that underscore a child's burgeoning emp

Physical Development in 4-Year-Olds

Watching early childhood development unfold is nothing short of miraculous, with each year bringing new surprises and achievements. Among these, the developmental strides made at the age of four are particularly fascinating. This period is a pivotal chapter in a child's physical

Cognitive Milestones in 4-Year-Olds

Watching early childhood development unfold is a captivating experience, each year brimming with new surprises and milestones. As children reach the age of four, their world becomes increasingly intricate, particularly in terms of cognitive development. This pivotal phase in a c

Language & Communication in 4-Year-Olds: What to Expect

Watching the development of language and communication skills in 4-year-olds is both fascinating and critical for their growth. This age marks significant strides in their ability to express themselves and understand others, setting the foundation for future learning and social

Four Critical Areas of Development for 4-Year-Olds

What are the Four Critical Developmental Milestones for 4-Year-Olds?

Embracing Technology for Special Education Students: What Do the New Federal Guidelines Mean for Our District?

In the realm of education, technology has emerged as a powerful tool to dismantle barriers and forge pathways of learning that were once deemed impassable. The U.S. Department of Education’s latest Federal Report , in concert with the National Education Technology Plan , has iss

How Can AI Best Serve Special Education Students? Let Me Count the Ways...

Jen, a neurodiverse student, struggles to communicate her needs. She wants to ask her teacher for an extension because she didn’t finish her homework. She asks an AI-powered robot in her classroom to present her with a few scenarios of how the conversation with her teacher might

How Can I Get Funding for Homeschooling My Autistic Child?

The financial burden of homeschooling special needs or autistic children can be a significant challenge for many families. The cost of educational materials, extracurricular activities, field trips, and membership fees can add up quickly, even more so now with the rising costs o

Leveling Up the Power of Paraprofessionals

Just as a gymnast relies on a spotter, a tree draws strength from its roots, and a musical relies on its stage crew:

Sensory Breaks for Your Autistic Child

Strategies for Homeschooling Are there moments during your homeschooling day when you find your autistic child is seeking a sensory break to organize their body and mind? You’re not alone. According to the American Journal of Occupational Therapy, up to 95% of autistic children

How to Set Up a Homeschool Classroom for Your Autistic Child: 10 Key Strategies

Setting up space in your home to homeschool your autistic child is where your own creativity can come into play. Even in a small home and on a tight budget there are ways to design your space that can have an enormous impact on how well your autistic child can focus and learn. T

Homeschool Co-ops for Autistic Children: Creating Connection

Homeschool co-ops are regularly scheduled structured gatherings of families educating their children together in a group setting. The purpose of co-ops is to share the load of teaching, combine resources, and collaborate with individuals who are working towards the same goal.

Nurturing Autistic Children: Managing Challenging Behaviors

Parenting is a complex journey filled with both joys and difficulties. When caring for an autistic child, parents often face the task of navigating through various behaviors and searching for effective strategies to meet their child's needs. Autism presents a distinctive set of

7 Best Homeschool Curricula for Autistic Children

Over 10% of families homeschool at least one child, and during the pandemic, the homeschool enrollment rate increased by 30%. [1] For families who have an autistic child or other special needs, that percentage is even higher: 38% of homeschooled children have special needs. If y

Unified Sports: Getting Autistic Children Back in the Game

How can unified sports help autistic children, parents, and communities, given the lingering developmental effects of the pandemic?

3 Ways to Teach Social Initiations to Autistic Students

You may think social interactions come naturally for all children, but for autistic children, it brings a unique world of challenges. Learning social initiation skills can make an enormous difference for autistic children in improving their relationships with peers and family me

How Autism and/or ADHD Can Destroy Motivation

Why Is Motivation Different for Autistic Individuals? Motivation is something we all struggle with, occasionally. Most people can eventually pull through and do what they need to do. For some autistic and/or ADHD kids, motivation affects them differently. At a younger age, autis

Acceptance and Commitment Training: New Tools to Help Parents Support Autism Treatment

Acceptance & Commitment Training (ACT) is an area grounded in behavior analysis that is bringing a more compassionate, values-based approach to behavioral treatment and skill development for autistic children.

How the Growth Mindset and Multiple Intelligence Theories Can Help Autistic Students Grow

People have always viewed intelligence as a fixed inherent trait. You’re born smart, or average, or you’re doomed to a failed life. Not only that but we use it as a measurable trait to be compared with others. Intelligence is often used in conjunction with academic ability. But

Hi-Lo Books: An Innovative Option for Struggling Teen Readers

Can you imagine struggling to read in middle school? What would it feel like to find books at your reading level geared towards young children? Perhaps starting out with a basic, entry-level picture book is a good first step to begin learning how to read, but what would you do i

Gift Ideas for Autistic Children

If you are a teacher, parent, caregiver, or family member of an autistic child in the middle of holiday gift shopping, you may wonder what are some good gifts for autistic children. Shopping for them can be tricky, as many have restricted interests, sensory- or other challenges.

Hygiene vs. Autism: Common Challenges and Possible Adaptations

How can caregivers identify and mitigate autism-related challenges to promote hygiene adherence in youth?

What Is MTSS and How Does It Help Struggling Students?

MTSS stands for a multi-tiered system of supports. It is a data-driven, tiered framework, also referred to as a multi-tiered process or model of supports, that is designed to help schools identify struggling students early and intervene quickly. Besides focusing on giving studen

Using Visual Supports for Autistic Children

This resource was created as a supplement for the Language Builder: ARIS® Academic Readiness Intervention System's complete early autism curriculum, Lesson #79 Following a Schedule. Download free images of classroom visual schedules to use in your classroom and learn more about

Celebrate Six Fall Holidays You Didn’t Know Existed!

...And learn ways to adapt any holiday to help your child with autism have fun!

ABLLS Vs. VB-MAPP Assessments: What’s the Difference?

Two of the most common assessments used to evaluate autistic children are the Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills (ABLLS) and the Verbal Behavior - Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP). These assessments are very similar, but some differences may ma

Into the Unknown: Explaining Autism Using Children’s Film and Fantasy Characters

How can parents and teachers use fiction stories to positively explain and reframe autism to neurotypical and neurodivergent youth?

Mental Health Empowerment: Providing Compassionate and Client-Centered Support for People With Autism

How can stakeholders use principles of self-determination, individuality, and compassion to support individuals with autism and their self-directed mental health care pursuits?

What Is Discrete Trial Training?

Many children with autism do not learn skills spontaneously and may need extra help and specific teaching to learn things that may come naturally to their typically developing peers. They often need highly structured, repetitive instruction that requires them to actively engage

Autism and Dance Therapy

Dancing is a universal language, and many on the autism spectrum can easily learn it.

Creating a Positive Online Experience for Your Student With Autism

Online learning is an exciting and innovative way for children to access their education. Even though it has been around for quite some time, COVID-19 has brought it to the forefront of many teachers’ minds. No matter the setting, educating students requires thought and planning

The Five Best Ice Breakers to Use for Autistic Students

Helping Autistic Students Connect with Other Students Autistic students can sometimes have challenges related to social interactions, communication, and lack of social reciprocity. Due to these challenges, it is sometimes difficult for children with autism to easily meet and con

The 2-Step Approach to Preventing Disruptive Behaviors for Children With Autism

Functions of Behavior and Antecedent Strategies

Ask an Autistic*: What Do Meltdowns Feel Like?

And How Can I Help? When I was young I would lose all control if I accidentally touched a seat belt strap, if I heard certain sounds, if someone entered my room, or if my mom put sweaters on me. And tights? Completely out of the question. Meltdowns are not tantrums. An autistic

9 Tips for Helping Autistic* Children Transition to a New School

Can you imagine starting at a new school in an entirely unfamiliar environment? Coping with a schedule change and new teachers, staff members, and peers is often nerve-racking for many students, but those with autism tend to have an especially hard time making changes and adapti

Romaine Calm: Getting Picky Eaters to Eat the Rainbow

How the Magic of Gardening Can Help Picky Eaters I’ll never forget my first garden. I was five and had just finished reading The Gardener by Sarah Stewart. It left me with this lasting impression of a romantic vision of giant beautiful gardens on rooftops in the city. My mom and

8 Tips for Helping Autistic* Children Prepare for a New Baby

Preparing for the arrival of a new baby often involves a significant adjustment period as the family acclimates to schedule changes and reallocates some of their time, attention, and resources to get ready for the logistical and emotional challenges that adding a new family memb

What is Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)?

PCIT is an evidence-based treatment for young children with behavioral problems and can be an effective intervention for children with autism.

7 Strategies for Supporting Individuals With Autism During Times of Transition and Change

Providing the proper support and interventions to children and adults with ASD can be a game changer in helping successfully manage changes in routines.

How to Recognize, Prevent, and Stop Bullying of Autistic* Children

Bullying of kids with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a major problem in our schools. Recent research shows that 46% of kids with autism in middle and high school were victims of bullying, and other studies show that approximately 70% of elementary-age autistic children who we

Support Groups for Autistic* Children, Teens, Young Adults and Parents

Support groups and social clubs for children, teens, and young adults with autism provide a safe environment for people with shared experiences to connect and participate in a supportive, understanding community. No matter what your child's or student’s needs are, there are simi

Helping Your Autistic* Child Develop Emotional Intelligence

Children with autism are often lacking in the area of emotional intelligence. The good news is that scientists now better understand the biological reasons behind why autistic individuals face challenges in this area. By understanding the science, and understanding that emotiona

Autism, COVID-19, and Mental Health: Ways to Cope with Trauma and Change

The COVID-19 pandemic is undoubtedly hard on everyone, but a recent study indicates that it may disproportionately affect autistic individuals. Considering this, it is important to recognize that those with autism often face significant challenges when:

Safety Considerations for Caregivers of Autistic Children

Safety is an important topic when caring for autistic children. We covered how to keep autistic children out of harm’s way in Safety First! 8 Ways to Keep Autistic Children Safe , but there is another side to the story. Safety can also be an issue for the parents and caregivers

Moving to a New House With an Autistic Child

12 Tips for Supporting Autistic Children During a Move

Making Friends: The Ups and Downs of Friendship on the Spectrum

As someone who grew up on the autistic spectrum, friends were hard to make and even harder to keep.

Can Sign Language Help Autistic Early Learners Develop Communication Skills?

The short answer is Yes! There is strong research support for teaching sign language to all young children, autistic or non-autistic. Sign language can be used to help encourage verbal language development, but it should not be used as a replacement for teaching children to spea

Air Travel with Autistic Children: 8 Ways to Prepare

Taking a plane trip can be taxing for anyone, especially when traveling with children. Adding an autistic child with unique sensory challenges into the mix can make air travel even more difficult.

How to Use Video Modeling and Video Self-Modeling to Help Your Autistic Child

Have you ever wondered how we learn new skills–or how most children seem to pick up on the natural progression of getting a haircut, going to the dentist, or brushing their teeth? While many children grasp the typical flow of these activities and automatically learn from watchin

Celebrating the Failures (and Successes) on the Autism Journey

Setback. Failure. Mishap .

Supporting Students in the Least Restrictive Environment

When developing a child’s IEP, the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) is one of several components that must be determined regarding placement. LRE has been a part of federal special education law since 1975. It has continued to recognize the benefits for autistic children or t

Safety First! 8 Ways to Keep Autistic Children Safe

Autism can impact the safety of both autistic children and the adults caring for them. Learning to be proactive in keeping autistic children safe is no small feat. Here’s how I know…

Planning a Celebration for Your Child With Autism

Imagine a party with music that’s just too loud –or a concert that keeps shining the same bright spotlight directly into your eyes . What if you felt trapped inside an overcrowded venue with people you don’t know surrounding you on every side? This is how children with autism ca

How to Teach Students With Autism Healthy Habits, Life Skills, and Self-Care

While establishing goals for personal hygiene, healthy habits, and effective self-care skills is important for everyone, individuals on the autism spectrum may need additional support when developing these competencies. Research suggests that teaching self-care skills can help i

The Persistence of Time: Managing Time on the Spectrum

Time on the Spectrum Think about time. Does every task take longer if you’re on the autism spectrum, or if you have a child on the spectrum? Does your family have special rules regarding when and how things get done, based on how one particular person experiences the passage of

May Is Physical Fitness Month!

Adapting Activities for Your Autistic Child: Silent Disco Anyone?

Autism and Aggression: A Four-Step Approach

How to deal with aggressive behavior remains one of the main and most urgent questions teachers and caregivers of autistic children ask, and aggression is also among the most common challenges conveyed by parents and primary carers of children and adolescents with autism.

Top Ten Outdoor Learning Strategies for Students With Autism

Outdoor learning can be a powerful and valuable aspect of the educational experience for all children–especially those with autism. Given adequate opportunities to explore, develop an imagination, acquire fine motor skills, and engage in sensory play, children can achieve physic

Start Planning Your Summer Vacation Today!

6 Ways to Prepare Your Autistic Child for a Successful Vacation Summer can be a fun time to plan vacations, but – for many on the autism spectrum – new environments, different locations, and sensory sensitivities can present a challenge when making travel plans.

10 Easy Grants for Teachers for Their Autism Classrooms

...and a Quick Guide to Crowdfunding! Due to district funding problems, the pandemic, and rising student needs, teachers are often forced to fund their own classroom materials. According to the Education Week Research Center Survey, 95 percent of teachers report spending their o

Where Do I Start With My Nonverbal Autistic* Child?

First words are a milestone that many parents eagerly await for their young child to achieve. For most children, the first word is spoken around 11-13 months of age. However for some children, especially those children eventually diagnosed or currently diagnosed with autism, a d

What Is Theory of Mind?

...And How Do You Teach an Autistic Child to Develop This Crucial Skill? Most of us have a theory of mind in that we can guess what others are thinking and how that might differ from what we are thinking. [However, many] with autism can be thought of as mindblind in that they ca

What Are the Three Levels of Autism?

We often hear people reference "high-functioning autism" and "low-functioning autism." But in fact, those who work with children with autism tend not to rely on labels such as "high functioning" and "low functioning." While it is recognized that autism occurs on a spectrum and a

How to Help a Talkative Autistic* Child to Talk Less and Listen More

Many children with autism develop special interests and become so entranced with them that they spend much of their time talking about them with great enthusiasm. Initially, it can be astounding to hear autistic individuals share their knowledge and expertise on topics such as d

Using Scripted Stories to Teach Children With Autism

Research-Based Practices for Using Scripted Stories for Learning with 6 Sample Stories

Recognizing Signs of Autism in Girls

Autism in Girls Can Look Different than in Boys: Support for Girls Sometimes Needs to Look Different Too Check out our free handout on this topic, Specific Support Strategies for Girls With Autism .

Six Co-Teaching Models That Really Work in Inclusion Classrooms

A full-inclusion classroom is not just an educational model that includes all students (combining those with and without IEPs) integrated into a general education classroom. With any full-inclusion classroom comes additional educators and support as well as a variety of teaching

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) for Autism

What It Is and Why It Is Important for Students With Autism Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is really about implementing a new kind of school-wide culture. Positive behavior strategies and social-emotional learning (SEL) are becoming more common in schools

What I Wish I Knew Before Teaching in a Full-Inclusion Classroom

One teacher who works with autistic students reports on the great benefits and challenges of full-inclusion classrooms for students with autism and other different abilities.

Valentine’s Day and Autism: Six Ways to Help Your Child Prepare for and Enjoy the Holiday

Download Our Free Social Narrative: Giving and Getting Valentines

Top Strategies for Supporting Time Management for Those With Autism

Time management is an important concept to consider when supporting individuals on the autism spectrum. Because time management and executive functioning skills (e.g., emotional regulation, impulse control, self-monitoring, working memory, organization, planning, initiating, and

What Disney’s Encanto Teaches Us About Families, Autism, and Managing Expectations

Let’s talk about the family Madrigal from Disney’s Encanto to see what we can learn as parents and families with both neurotypicals and members with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). I’ll try to be as spoiler-free as possible, but if you haven’t yet checked out Encanto , you shoul

A Former Job Coach Shares Her Experience Working With Autistic Children

What Is a Job Coach? A job coach can provide guidance and initial support for a child when they begin to reach that transitional age and think about getting a job. Entering the workforce can be an intimidating yet exciting new prospect for anyone. For children with ASD, taking s

Using Verbal Operants to Encourage Language Development in Autistic Children

Verbal operants are foundational in the development of language and communication skills. Autistic children vary a great deal in their ability to use different verbal operants. Learning skills within one verbal operant can promote growth in other verbal operants. Specialists wor

Top 3 Strategies for Improving Social Interactions for Autistic Children

Many autistic individuals struggle with developing appropriate perspective-taking, self-awareness, and self-monitoring skills. They may also have difficulty modifying false beliefs about themselves and others. As a result, interventions supporting these areas can provide meaning

3 Visual Recipes for the Aspiring Chef: Visual Recipes Are a Great Way to Teach Cooking and Baking to Your Autistic Child

For autistic children, cooking and baking can be a creative and joyous pastime. Many children are eager to help their parents prepare meals, but some may not be ready to prepare complex recipes using the oven or stovetop. The recipes provided below are intended for autistic chil

Language Delays: How to Rule out Hearing Loss for Autistic Children

Language delays in children can occur for many reasons including cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, or autism. If a child has a language delay ruling out hearing loss is an important first step, because if there is some deficit in hearing it needs to be addressed quickly

Does My Autistic Child Need Occupational Therapy?

Assessing Fine and Gross Motor Skills Can Provide the Answer Motor skills are essential for children to explore, interact, and learn from their environment in order to develop cognitive and language skills. Because motor skills develop early in young children, deficits in these

The ARIS Lessons: An Insider Look

A Special Ed Teacher and New Stages Learning Staffer Takes a Peek Under the Hood of Our New ARIS Early Autism Curriculum I’m not a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), but I know “just enough to be dangerous.”

Integrated Play Groups and FloorTime

The Top Two Interventions for Improving Developmentally-Beneficial Play in Autistic Children While group play is an important component of child development, autistic children may not develop social interaction and play skills in the same way that their peers do. As a result, it

Supporting Play in Early Childhood: Specific Strategies for Autistic Children

Without a doubt, play is an essential foundation for a child’s development, especially throughout the early elementary years. Engaging in fun, enjoyable, and imaginary play is often a natural part of life for typically developing children; however, for autistic children, the acq

How Can I Support Autistic Students in My Classroom?

Four Key Strategies to Support Autistic Children: Introduce Imitation, Use New Technologies, Create Soothing Classroom Design, and Scaffold Learning

Understanding the Differences Between Receptive and Expressive Languages: Teaching Autistic Children

Understanding the differences between receptive and expressive language can be a difficult task. These words are often used interchangeably, which can be confusing to the learners. More importantly, teaching language skills without a clear understanding of these two language bui

How to Help Autistic Students Who Have SENSORY Processing Disorder

It is estimated that 80% of autistic children also have sensory issues, if not Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), as a comorbid condition. However, many parents, caregivers, and educators are not aware of the struggles this can pose for autistic children.

Teaching Tools for Making Friends and Developing Online Relationships for Autistic Individuals

Learning social media skills and dating etiquette can be especially challenging for young autistic adults. This article provides tools for helping to learn new digital social skills for autistic individuals.

Fun in the Kitchen! Teaching Developmentally Appropriate Cooking Processes to Autistic Learners

Using Task Analyses and Imitation Strategies

Herramientas de enseñanza para hacer amigos y desarrollar amistades en línea para personas con TEA

Aprender habilidades en las redes sociales y la etiqueta de citas puede ser desafiante especialmente para los jóvenes adultos con autismo. Este artículo proporciona herramientas para ayudar a aprender nuevas habilidades sociales digitales para las personas con TEA.

11 Ways to Prepare for Happy Holidays With an Autistic Child

The end-of-the-year holidays are supposed to be happy occasions, filled with joyful traditions such as family gatherings, elaborately home-cooked meals, the exchanging of gifts, parties, fireworks, and other festive activities. They’re supposed to be a time to look forward to an

Five Songs to Teach Skip Counting to Autistic Children

This resource was created as a supplement for the Language Builder: ARIS® Academic Readiness Intervention System complete early autism curriculum, Lesson #197, Skip Counting. Download a free copy of the lesson and learn more about ARIS here . Skip counting is counting forward or

20 Best Books for Teaching the Concept of Time to Autistic Children

This resource was created as a supplement for the Language Builder: ARIS® Academic Readiness Intervention System complete early autism curriculum, Lesson #194, Receptive Time - Analog and Lesson #195, Expressive Time - Analog, and Lesson #196, Matching Digital to Analog Time. Do

How to Teach Zero to Autistic Children

This resource was created as a supplement for the Language Builder: ARIS® Academic Readiness Intervention System complete early autism curriculum, Lesson #175, Receptive Numbers 11+. Download a free copy of the lesson and learn more about ARIS here . Teaching concepts to autisti

Teaching Patterns to Autistic Students

This resource was created as a supplement for the Language Builder: ARIS® Academic Readiness Intervention System complete early autism curriculum, Lesson #165, Color Patterns, Lesson #166, Shape Patterns, and Lesson #167, Complex Patterns. Download a free copy of lesson 165, les

10 Best Books to Teach Autistic Students How to Use Money

This resource was created as a supplement for the Language Builder: ARIS® Academic Readiness Intervention System complete early autism curriculum, Lesson #198, Matching Money, Lesson #199, Matching Individual Currency to Numeric Values, Lesson #200, Receptive Money, Lesson #201,

The 20 Best Addition Books for Autistic Students Using Counter Objects

This resource was created as a supplement for the Language Builder: ARIS® Academic Readiness Intervention System complete early autism curriculum, Lesson #182, Adding Using Counter Objects. Download a free copy of the lesson and learn more about ARIS here . Addition can be a com

The 20 Best Books to Teach Subtraction to Autistic Children Using Counter Objects

This resource was created as a supplement for the Language Builder: ARIS® Academic Readiness Intervention System complete early autism curriculum, Lesson #183, Subtracting Using Counter Objects. Download a free copy of the lesson and learn more about ARIS here . Subtraction is a

Using Task Analysis for Arrival and Dismissal Routines

Getting ready to go somewhere and transitioning once you arrive just might be the hardest part of the day for your autistic child or student, and in turn, for you. Fortunately, tools like task analysis (TA) can help take the stress out of coming and going, to let you and yours t

What is Echolalia?

Understanding the Role Echolalia Plays in Language Development for Autistic Children

Tricks for Making Halloween Enjoyable for Your Autistic Child

Many children love Halloween, but some autistic children find Halloween to be stressful and unenjoyable. The holiday boosts traditions that may be worry-invoking for some neurodivergent children. On Halloween, children often dress up in costumes. For autistic individuals, dressi

Best Apps for Autistic Children

Certain apps are targeted to meet the needs and support autistic individuals. Children in this generation have grown up with iPads and tablets. They’re able to navigate the devices and often have favorite apps. Many families and schools will use apps to supplement learning. Chil

Taking the Sting out of Discipline for Autistic Kids

The benefits of setting clear boundaries for autistic children All children need rules and boundaries to help them know how to act appropriately in different settings and situations, and autistic children are no exception. Rules and boundaries will teach them skills they will ne

What Makes a Special Education Teacher Effective?

10 Characteristics That Matter Most A special education teacher who works with autistic students needs to have an array of interpersonal skills, ranging from competency and consistency to adaptability and discernment. Throughout the school year, special educators must wear a var

10 Spectacular Virtual Field Trips for Autistic Students

Field trips create enriching experiences that support instruction. Students habitually love field trips, and they get excited about hands-on learning. Teachers love field trips because they engage students in learning, allow for real-life connections, support cultural education,

Teaching Multi-Step Skills Through Task Analysis for Autistic Students

Life is filled with constant multi-step directions and processes. That’s why a common elementary project is to have students write exact directions to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Their peers are then told to only do exactly what the directions say. As you might imag

6 Ways to Set Up Inclusion Settings Successfully for Autistic Students

Defining inclusion: Inclusion is a common term used in education, meaning to bring together all students regardless of their abilities. An inclusion setting allows students with disabilities to learn and socialize alongside their non-disabled peers. Successful inclusion opportun

What Research Has Shown About School Closures Impact on Autistic Students

As schools started up again for the 2021-2022 school year, there were a lot of questions. The previous year’s fluctuations between remote, hybrid, and in-person models left everyone’s heads spinning, perhaps none more than autistic students.

Using Applied Behavior Analysis Interventions to Motivate the Classroom, Promote Cooperation, and Improve Behavior

You may have heard the phrase “ABA can save the world!” While Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) works well on an individual basis, I have found that those same techniques and interventions also work well in the classroom. In fact, the use of ABA interventions in the classroom can

How to Shape Homework Behavior With Autistic Children

Let’s talk homework! If you are a parent to a school-aged autistic child, you may find it challenging to encourage your child to complete homework assignments. Autistic children will often engage in undesired behaviors, such as noncompliance, aggression, or full-blown tantrums.

Using Antecedent Strategies to Minimize Challenging Behaviors With Autistic Students

An antecedent is an event, action, or circumstance that occurs directly before a behavior. Using antecedent strategies involves modifying an environment to reduce undesirable behaviors among autistic learners before they occur.

Identity First: On Knowing Who You Are

What is the difference between “people-first” and “identity-first” language with regard to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? How do culture, identity, and statistics play a role in this question? How do you define yourself; how do you prefer to be recognized; and how do you know w

4 Key Tips for Preparing your Special Education Classroom for the New School Year

The new school year is quickly approaching. Setting up a new classroom takes time and a lot of planning, especially when taking into consideration the needs of our unique students. Autistic children notably require structure and organization. Students spend a lot of time in thei

School Guide to Expanding Medicaid Reimbursements for Special Education and Other Health and Behavioral Services

NOTE: New Guide Just Released to Help Schools Give Care to Children Covered by Medicaid Is your school or district doing all it can to take advantage of these new funds? Any eligible service you are not currently billing for is money lost. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Ser

“Opportunities to Respond” in the Classroom for Autistic Students

Strategies for Active Engagement in the Classroom and on Zoom f or Autistic Children You’ve likely heard the phrase “Busy hands are happy hands,” but the same is true for our brains. One of the hardest skills for autistic students is what to do in the classroom when they’re expe

Autism Fidget Toys Are More Than Just Fun: Strong Research Supports Their Use

In recent years the toy industry has exploded with options for toys focused on the fidgeting sensory needs of autistic people and those with ADHD and other disabilities to have their fine motor needs met. Pop-fidgets, Push-pop fidgets, Infinity Cubes, Pop Tubes, Fidget Spinners,

How to Strengthen Executive Functioning Skills for Autistic Children

Executive functioning is a fundamental process that each person needs to achieve goals, filter distractions, prioritize tasks, and control impulses. Deficits in executive functioning will impact a person’s ability to get through the daily tasks of the day effectively. Nearly eve

Autism and Teletherapy: It’s Working!

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The Power of Positive Reinforcement for Teaching Autistic Children

Reinforcement or bribery: Is there a difference? Positive reinforcement is a powerful motivator. For autistic children, the purpose of using positive reinforcement in the classroom or at home is to shape better behavior and to help them learn new skills and maintain these skills

Twice Exceptional: Untangling the Paradox of Giftedness and Autism

Parents and teachers may wonder if their student is autistic, or is intellectually gifted, or both. “Twice Exceptional”, or “2e,” are the current descriptors for students who have both a disability and intellectual giftedness. The signs and symptoms, however, are often confusing

A Guide to Types of Visual Schedules for Autistic Individuals

Personalization Is the Key You have probably heard a lot about using "visual schedules" for autistic people. However, you may not be as familiar with the many different types of visual schedules or the different factors that need to be considered when creating one that is indivi

How To Use Shaping to Teach Autistic Children New Behaviors at Home

As children become older and begin to develop new skills, it can be overwhelming for caregivers and parents to teach more complex behaviors, such as developing new language, making requests, cleaning their room, or completing homework. When caring for a child diagnosed as autist

How to Use Chaining to Break Down Complex Tasks for Autistic Children

What Is Chaining?

Autism 101: 10 Tips for General Education Teachers

There is a common saying in special education when referring to our autistic learners - if you’ve met one autistic child; you’ve met one autistic child. Teachers need to remember that each child is unique and will have a distinctive combination of strengths, needs, and challenge

Autism-Friendly Vacation Destinations: A Guide for Families

A list of best resorts and theme parks serving families with autistic children: from customized services and specialized camps for autistic children to front-of-the-line passes, vacations can be autism-friendly!

Opening My ARIS Autism Curriculum Kit for the First time

Christmas came early this year!

6 Great Autistic Characters on Children's Media

6 Great Autistic Characters in Children's Shows Teaching Us All the Language of Acceptance, Diversity, and Inclusion In recent years we have been seeing more authentic representation of autistic characters across all kinds of media, including children’s programming. Here are 6 o

Teletherapy and Teletraining: A Solution to the Shortage of Qualified ABA Therapists

Concern has been expressed regarding a shortage of qualified Applied Behavior Analysts to meet the demands of a growing ASD population and also about the quality of training available to such providers. The prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) has increased dramatically

Facing a Critical Shortage of ABA Therapists? Teletherapy Can Help

8 Tantrum Taming Skills for Helping Autistic Children

As I enter the house, she’s screaming. A 3-year-old with a full-blown meltdown meets me at the door. Well, her mom meets me with the I’m-going-to-pull-my-hair-out look with her sweet, beautiful, screaming child rolling on the floor behind her. A little background. We had ordered

How to Build an Autism Kit for On-the-Go

An Autism Kit, also known as a “Calm Down Kit,” “Sensory Kit” or “Autism Survival Kit” is an invaluable tool for any parent of an autistic child. If you’ve ever been away from home with your autistic child and found yourself wishing you had a magic bag of items to pull from to h

Who's Who on the IEP Team?

Learn What Each Specialist Does in Order to Make the Most of Your Child’s IEP Team When you show up to your child’s IEP meeting for the first time you may be wondering, “Who are all of these people?” You probably know the classroom teacher and the special education teacher, but

Proactive Strategies for Reducing Problem Behaviors Before They Happen

Using Routines and Pre-Correction in the Classroom for Autistic Students What is the best way to address a problem behavior? Before it happens! Procedures and routines paired with pre-correction strategies are evidence-based interventions for supporting autistic students. Instea

Using Sensory Solutions to Encourage Motor Skills in Autistic Children

Six sensory tools to use from an Occupational Therapist’s toolbox Autistic children often have over or under-responsive sensory systems that can impact the development of motor skills. The good news is we can use these deficits in sensory systems to help motivate autistic childr

Building a Social Network for Autistic Students

How to Create a Peer-Mediated Intervention to Support Social Skills for Autistic Children We all need a social network; a group of people who are there for us in good times and in bad. But how can we help autistic children develop their network?

8 Tips for Tackling the Grocery Store With Your Autistic Child

Working in early intervention, I am always checking in with parents regarding their triumphs and their struggles, and one struggle that comes up frequently is that intimidating trip to the grocery store. In general, any parent worries about being looked upon with judgment when a

Using Peers to Support Autistic Children in the Classroom

Could Peers Be the Solution to Support Autistic Children in the Classroom? “Put a para with the student” seems to be a quick solution that many school teams jump to when looking for ways to support autistic students. While there are some positives to adult support—including more

Early Action Is Key to Getting Support for Your Autistic Child

Delaying Gratification: An Essential Skill for Autistic Children to Learn

Delaying gratification is an essential skill for autistic children to learn in order to help them learn new skills.

The 7 Benefits of Using Sensory Bins for Autistic Children

Has your family been introduced to sensory bins yet? They are all the rage at our house, and sometimes they keep us busy for hours! If you have not heard of sensory bins, or have not started using them yet, you may want to jump on the bandwagon, and I will tell you why!

Research on Effective Practices for Teaching: Reading Comprehension Aligns with ARIS Reading & Writing Readiness Lessons

The ARIS® Academic Readiness Intervention System curriculum is based on research that points to the importance of practicing narrative retelling and inference abilities to improve reading comprehension for autistic children.

Strategies for Teaching Autistic Children Letters

Autistic children can experience delays and challenges in learning letters, letter recognition, and writing letters. Writing and reading are powerful communication skills. Before your child begins to learn to read or write, they must first learn to recognize and identify letters

Falling Through the Cracks: Better Identification and Integrated Treatment for Autistic or Other Special Needs ELL Students

Research indicates that ELL students who should be classified with disability status are being overlooked. The good news is that increasingly, educators are integrating ELL and special education services in a culturally responsive manner. As training programs for both teachers a

Our Top Picks for Encouraging Gross Motor Skills for Autistic Children: Let the Great Outdoors Be Your Natural Playground!

Use these therapist-selected, parent and teacher-approved, and kid-tested ideas to help your autistic child continue to develop gross motor skills! Spring has sprung! Tired of being inside? Spring is a great season to step outside with your autistic children and reap all the ben

Product Review: Zigzag Wiggle Movement Car

Several years ago, on a recommendation from a colleague who works with special needs children, I purchased several of these for both my children and the children at the clinic I work for serving special needs children. Honestly, I was skeptical that the kids would be able to fig

Teaching Autistic Children Writing Skills

Learning to write is an important skill. For autistic children, writing provides an outlet for them to express themselves, be creative, and communicate. Learning to write is considered essential for being successful in life. There are certain strategies for teaching autistic chi

10 Fun Activities Using Patterns to Teach Early Math Skills for Autistic Children

Red, Blue, Red, Blue: Using Patterns to Teach Early Math Skills Teaching autistic children various patterns is a key foundational skill that will support their later math development. The following activities utilize Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) strategies to provide an eng

Teaching Phonological Awareness and Decoding to Autistic Children

When children learn to read, they need to learn to make letter sounds and manipulate letter blends. For autistic children, developing this skill may be more difficult due to auditory processing difficulties and speech delays. Children must learn that words are made up of individ

Positive Identity Development in the Autistic Child

What can parents, teachers, and therapists do to encourage a positive sense of self in autistic children and teens? What can we do to avoid the obstacles to healthy and positive identity development?

Kid Friendly Household Chores For Developing Gross Motor Skills for Autistic Children

Household work or chores are great for developing motor skills, motor planning, coordination, work ethic, responsibility, and well-being for autistic children. You might not be a big fan of household chores, but we therapists like to think of those activities that require bendin

Product Review: Sensory Needs Therapy and Reading Lounger, Air Pump, and Repair Kit

I am a BCBA and in my clinical practice, I work with autistic children with sensory needs daily. The Special Supplies Inflatable Compression Boat Lounger has been a must-have item for me in both my in-home and in-clinic therapy. Kids love the gentle squeeze the boat provides --

Physical Therapy and Autism: Questions and Answers

Autistic children can often benefit from physical therapy. What does working with a physical therapist entail? And how can I work collaboratively with a physical therapist to best help my child?

How to Teach Sight Reading to Autistic Children

Teaching sight words to your autistic child is an important part of your child’s literacy development. Many autistic children experience delays in reading and writing. Oftentimes, autistic children are visual learners and benefit from multiple methods of instruction to learn.

Product Review: Cossy Kids Magnetic Building Tiles

I have had these Cossy Kids Magnetic Building Tiles tiles for years and have seen firsthand that these magnetic tiles are a huge hit with kids ranging in age from toddlers to late school aged. They love the hands on activity of building and creating. As a parent, I enjoy seeing

Teletherapy for Autistic Children: Research-Based Best Practices

STAGES® Learning worked hard at building an online distance learning platform designed specifically to provide teletherapy to autistic children. Distance Learning, also called remote learning for autistic children, has been proven to be effective as a therapeutic intervention fo

10 Gross Motor Skills for Your Autistic Child

Gross Motor Skills 101 Ready, set, let’s go! Walk, run, jump, swim, climb. There are so many ways we can move our bodies. Gross motor skills are those skills that we need to move, skills that are designed to help us survive, but also to thrive. As a baby develops they learn to r

Devil or Angel? The Process of Diagnosis for Autistic Children

What is ‘diagnosis’ anyway? Why have a diagnosis? How do I know if my child’s autism diagnosis is accurate? Could it be something else? Where do I go for answers? These are some of the questions that parents, therapists, and teachers ask about an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) d

Autism Influencers: Who to Follow

Interested in connecting with people in the autism community? Check out our list of influencers to follow on social media. Social Media is a powerful tool in the way it allows us to connect with friends and family, celebrities, and strangers with common interests from around the

Keeping Fit at Home: Exercise and Autistic Children

Benefits, Best Practices, Home Equipment Choices, and the Top Online Exercise Videos and Gaming Resources for Your Autistic Child Exercise for autistic children can have both physical and psychological benefits. For many autistic children who have sensory integration issues, gym

Best Games, Stories, Rhymes and Songs to Support Early Math Skills for Autistic Students

This resource was created as a supplement for the ARIS® Academic Readiness Intervention System (ARIS) complete early autism curriculum, Lesson #168, Recited Counting 1-10, Lesson #173, Receptive Numbers 1-10, Lesson #174, Expressive Numbers 1-10, Lesson #175, Receptive Numbers 1

Arts and Crafts for Autism Awareness

Arts and crafts projects can increase autism awareness and benefit your autistic child at the same time! Why do we need to increase autism awareness?

How to Use a Whisper Phone to Teach Autistic Children to Read

This resource was created as a supplement for the ARIS® Academic Readiness Intervention System Language Builder complete early autism curriculum, Lesson #161, Expressive Phonics. Download a free copy of the lesson and learn more about the ARIS curriculum . The Whisper Phone is a

Teaching Kindness: The Kindness Rock Project

How to Teach Your Autistic Child the Art of Caring and Kindness Teaching caring and kindness to autistic children is an important part of social-emotional development. Having empathy and kindness towards others improves the quality of everyone's life. It also allows us to unders

The Benefits of Playing with Building Blocks for Autistic Children

For autistic children, using building blocks in play is a beneficial activity for their physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development. Building with blocks is a favorite pastime for many young children. They’re available in different sizes, colors, textures, and types, m

Social Narratives: Helping Autistic Children Understand Social Situations

This resource was created as a supplement for the ARIS® Academic Readiness Intervention System Language Builder complete early autism curriculum. Learn more about the ARIS curriculum . Social narratives (often referred to as Social Stories TM ) are carefully designed short stori

How to Spot and Prevent Cyberbullying Against Autistic Students

In the digital age, there are many opportunities for online bullying to occur, especially for autistic children

20 Best Sight Word Books for Autistic Students

This resource was created as a supplement for the ARIS® Academic Readiness Intervention System Language Builder: A complete early autism curriculum, Lesson #158, Reading Sight Words in Simple Sentences, and Lesson #159, Reading Sight Words in Simple Books. Download a free copy o

Finding Fun and Fitness: Exercise for Autistic Children and Young Adults

A growing community of inclusive exercise programs promises that fitness can be a source of fun, rather than one of frustration, for autistic children. By choosing activities that will have a greater likelihood of success for your child, by adapting exercise programs for your ch

From Sleeping in to Prepping for School: Strategies for Avoiding Wake-up Wars

One mother’s tried and true recommendations for helping your autistic child get ready for an early wake-up time once school starts. Are you dreading your "au-some" child's first week back to school because they are used to sleeping in now? Are you wondering how they will shift t

5 Ways Sesame Street’s Character Julia Teaches People About Autism Spectrum Disorder

Julia, the new character on Sesame Street can help all children better understand autism. Sesame Street is a treasured TV show that has educated children worldwide for more than 50 years. It has brought characters like Elmo, Big Bird, Abby, and Cookie Monster into children’s liv

Coping Strategies: Find What Works Best For Your Autistic Child

Use zones of regulation and occupational therapy insight to find the best coping strategies for your autistic child. The phrase “coping strategy” can be thrown around often in the autism (ASD) community. But what are they? How do we find the best ones for our children? How do ea

What Is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and How Can It Help My Autistic Student?

Two Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) explain Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and how to determine the level of support needed to ensure success for each autistic child. ABA is a common practice used with Level 1 autistic individuals. The practice of ABA mainly focuses o

Tell Me a Story: How to Teach Narrative and Comprehension Strategies to Autistic Children

In K-12 education, no one disputes that developing reading skills is fundamental. Research suggests that early literacy instruction for students with and without disabilities is essential for future literacy development. 3 Teachers across the world are constantly utilizing vario

Six Proactive Solutions for Challenging Behaviors at Home: Advice from a Behavioral Counselor

These six tips will help you create a proactive environment in your home to foster task productivity and offer solutions to address undesired behaviors before they arise. By adopting a proactive approach, you are creating a structured and consistent environment that will help yo

The 12 Best Picture Books for Teaching Nouns to Autistic Children

This resource was created as a supplement for the ARIS® Academic Readiness Intervention System L anguage Builder complete early autism curriculum, Lesson #23 Receptive Labeling - in Books, Lesson 33 Expressive Labeling - In Books, Lesson #98 Listing Members of a Set, and Lesson

Teacher Tips: Using Expressive Labeling to Teach Autistic Children Language Skills

This resource was created as a supplement for the ARIS® Academic Readiness Intervention System Language Builder complete early autism curriculum, Lesson #33, Expressive Labeling in Books. Download a free copy of the lesson and learn more about the ARIS curriculum . For autistic

Teacher Tips: Using Receptive Labeling to Teach Autistic Children Language Skills

This resource was created as a supplement for the ARIS® Academic Readiness Intervention System Language Bui lder complete early autism curriculum, Lesson #23, Receptive Learning in Books. Download a free copy of the lesson and learn more about the ARIS curriculum. Beginning at a

Teaching Parts of Speech to Autistic Children: Prepositions, Opposites, Pronouns and Verb Tense

Autistic children frequently have delayed language development. For autistic children who have developed language, understanding or using parts of speech correctly may be difficult. While many children develop language skills incidentally, parts of speech such as prepositions, o

Teaching Language Skills to Autistic Children Using 2-D and 3-D Matching

For autistic children, language skills can be taught using 2-D and 3-D matching skills. Matching is the ability to see two things and recognize that they are the same. Matching skills train and improve concentration, visual and short-term memory, attention to detail, classificat

4 Activities and 3 Tips to Help Support Emotional Awareness for Your Autistic Child

Recognizing and understanding emotions is a key part of development. Emotional awareness allows individuals to identify what they are feeling and why. This is a critical step towards building emotional intelligence, a key life skill. Being able to identify our emotions and under

Teaching Autistic Children to Follow Simple Directions

Teaching autistic children to follow simple directions is an important skill for them to learn. The ability to follow simple directions allows opportunities for your child to gain independence, regulation skills, communication skills, productivity in daily routine tasks, and pra

A New Curriculum for All Children with Autism

The new Language Builder: ARIS (Academic Readiness Intervention System) was developed to provide a curriculum to any teacher or parent interested in helping a child with autism develop to their full potential. ARIS was designed so that even school districts that cannot afford to

Coronavirus: Keeping a Routine Schedule at Home

Ways to Help Your Child with Autism Feel Safe and Secure: Best Practices for Setting Up a Routine Schedule in Your Home The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has forced schools, offices, stores, care centers, and other businesses to close suddenly. While these closures are importa

Best Free Resources for Homeschooling Your Autistic Child

Benefits and Strategies for Teaching Art to Children with Autism: Help for Art Challenged Adults Why Art?

Art therapy provides many benefits for children with autism because it promotes emotional and mental growth as well as independence and collaboration skills. As an outlet for self-expression, imagination, and creativity, art can contribute deeply to improving a child’s fine moto

Cabin Fever? 5 Effective Activities for Students with Autism During Social Isolation or Quarantine

Note: These 5 activities can be done every day, and we recommend that parents create a schedule so that each of these activities takes place at the same time very day when possible. Having a schedule helps keep children with autism feel more secure and reduces anxiety. We also r

Tips for Implementing Language Builder ARIS Emergency at-Home Lessons

I truly hope that the downloadable Language Builder ARIS lessons have been helpful as you endeavor to set up your child's at-home education program. In 2020, we made available 34 downloadable lessons from our Language Builder ARIS curriculum. We worked hard to include a variety

A New Curriculum for Autism: ARIS

Teachers, parents and Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) have been asking for an “all in one” autism education curriculum for years. Language Builder: ARIS (Academic Readiness Intervention System) is now available to support teachers and parents helping children with autism lea

A New Homeschool Curriculum for Autistic Children: ARIS

Homeschooling is not always easy, but it can provide many benefits for children with autism. In the first two years of the pandemic, researchers found that home environments were frequently advantageous for autistic children because they reduced the amount of social and sensory

Do-It-Yourself Materials for ABA-based Lessons

For the free lessons we provided in our ARIS Emergency Home Autism Education Program we have included a variety of photo cards that you can download, print and get started with, including: Nouns , Occupations , Emotions , Sequencing and Verbs . You can see that many lessons refe

Teaching Healthy Eating Choices to Children with Autism

This resource was created as a supplement for the Language Builder: Academic Readiness Intervention System (ARIS) complete early autism curriculum, Lesson #129, A Healthy Plate. Download a free copy of the lesson and learn more about the ARIS curriculum . For children with autis

Strategies for Homeschooling Children with Autism: You Can do This!

Teaching children with autism even the most basic skills can feel daunting to a home schooling parent or even, at times, an autism professional. For instance, we may attempt to teach a child for the hundredth time to wipe her mouth with a napkin, but then… drum roll ...She goes

8 Ways to Promote Socialization Skills in Students with Autism

Socialization is an important skill for all children to learn and develop. Research suggests that by supporting a child’s socialization, children are more likely to develop self-confidence, problem solving skills, and key language skills, all of which are vital skills that they

Classroom Routines: Preparing Your Child with Autism

This resource was created as a supplement for the Language Builder: Academic Readiness Intervention System (ARIS) complete early autism curriculum, Lesson #79, Following a Schedule. Download a free copy of the lesson and learn more about the ARIS curriculum . Preparing your chil

Strengths-based Approaches to Autism for Teachers, SLPs, and Parents

Celebrating Strengths and Shifting Away from Deficit-Based Thinking Far too often, society’s bias towards students with autism focuses on the autism, rather than the whole child. Students with autism are more often perceived as “lacking” in some area, rather than celebrated for

Recommended Children’s Books About Autism

Children’s books featuring children with autism are an easy and entertaining way to introduce the topic of autism to your children, family members, friends, and your child’s peers. Children’s books offer simple, accessible explanations and illustrations that can help children an

Four Ways to Make Your Backyard More Autism Friendly

Playing outdoors has huge implications for all children. Many researchers cite outdoor play as being a conduit for decreased stress levels, emotional resilience, increased cognitive functioning, increased attention, as well as a host of other sensory-motor, emotional, and social

11 Strategies to Help Your Child with Autism Develop Fine Motor Skills

Fine Motor Skill Milestones Fine motor skills are the coordination of small muscle movements. Fine motor skills are the ability to make movements in our eyes, wrists, hands, and fingers. Many everyday tasks require strength, dexterity, and fine motor skills. Fine motor skills ne

Starting a Childcare Center for Children With Autism or other Special Needs

For countless American families, finding the right childcare provider for their little ones can be a real challenge. This is especially true for parents and guardians who are navigating available childcare options for their child with autism or other special needs. While many pa

Acupuncture and Autism

Acupuncture treatment may help your child’s autism symptoms. Acupuncture is a treatment where needles are inserted into the skin to target certain nerve or pressure points. Research has shown acupuncture to be an effective treatment for children with ASD in areas of verbal commu

The “Why” and the “What” Behind Language Builder: Academic Readiness Intervention System (ARIS)

ARIS was created with access and implementation in mind: intended to make the principles of ABA easily accessible and easy to implement for educators working with children with autism who may not have formal ABA training. Recent research has highlighted the lack of evidence-base

How to Prepare for an IEP Meeting – For Teachers of Students with Autism

As a teacher, it is likely that you have either held or participated in an IEP meeting. Often times, you have likely interacted with family members who may be nervous or anxious about the process. Some parents may come in to IEP meetings feeling intimidated by the many people si

Autism and Anxiety: 10 Strategies to Help Your Child

For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the prevalence of anxiety is shown to be greater than for their peers. Some studies indicate that anxiety disorders are present 40% of the time for children with autism. The good news about taking this into consideration is that

12 Popular Games Adapted for Children with Autism

This resource was created as a supplement for the Language Builder: Academic Readiness Intervention System (ARIS) complete early autism curriculum, Lesson #73, Playing Games with an Adult. Download a free copy of lesson 73 and learn more about the ARIS curriculum . Play is often

Strategies for Promoting Sensory Integration in Writing

Sensory struggles in a child with autism can hinder his or her ability to grasp a writing implement and to use it correctly. But some marvelous strategies exist that can help children learn to write: countering “floppy” muscle tone, varying implement thickness, trying different

Creating a Yoga Practice for Children With Autism

Yoga, an ancient practice that originated in India, is today a term familiar across most of the world. Those who’ve experienced the practice may be familiar with its benefits of relaxation and overall improved physical health. Did you know, however, that exploring yoga with a ch

Top Safety Risks for Children with Autism and How to Communicate with First Responders

Safety and preparation for emergency situations is a concern for any child, but especially for children with autism, who may be unable to communicate or respond correctly in emergency situations.

The Most Popular Action and Movement Songs for Children with Autism

FREE ARIS Lesson Plan Download: Participation in Group Songs with Action {{cta('dd592bfe-679e-4e5a-9f99-6923f3082c63')}}

Autism and Inclusive Sports

Special Olympics and Unified Sports for Children with Autism Sports are a unifying, fun way for individuals and communities to connect. For individuals with autism, participation in athletic events may be difficult due to the loud, chaotic environments or exclusion from particip

Autism and Dental Care

Going to the dentist can be a cause for anxiety for most of us, but it’s a very different feeling for those with autism. Patients with autism often have difficulty staying still and allowing the dentist to do what’s needed, which is why a loved one should always be present. Ever

Choosing iPad Apps for Children with Autism

The explosion of apps available on tablets like the iPad has been an exciting opportunity for children with autism. It may come as no shock to parents and educators that in general, children with autism prefer and are more engaged during app-based interventions than traditional

Inclusion Toolkit: Top Ten Products to Accommodate Students with Autism in the Classroom

The beginning of a new school year can be a difficult time for some children with autism. Shifting from the comfort of home to an environment packed with loud voices, stiff chairs, slamming doors, and a new structure can trigger anything from distraction and discomfort to full m

Positive Pedagogy: How to Bring Positive Psychology into Special Education and Inclusive Classrooms for Students with Autism

How can you help your students discover stillness? joy? authenticity? Positive psychology is the science of well-being, which applied, can bring more positivity and happiness into your classroom. Try investing in these easy “rituals,” or habits, to transform your classroom into

Parent Strategies for Helping Children with Autism Cope with Transitions and Changing Routines

Transitions from one activity to the next can be difficult for any child, especially if they are being asked to leave a preferred activity to instead do something they need to do. While some behaviors in response to transitions may look similar between neurotypical children and

Parent Strategies to Help Children with Autism Cope with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)

In this article, we explore Sensory Processing Disorder (also called sensory integration or sensory sensitivity), and how these issues can be alleviated and treated, and strategies parents and caregivers can use at home and school to help ease day to day life. Stages Learning Ma

5 Positive Play Therapies to Help Your Child with Autism

Despite being riddled with its own challenges and stressors, childhood can often be idealized as a time of magic and freedom. What often makes childhood so uniquely sacred is the acceptance and endorsement of play. While play can often seem like a time of rest and rejuvenation u

Lesson Plan: ImPRINTING Food Vocabulary to Learn Language Skills

Lesson Overview Create an art print to reinforce food vocabulary and encourage tactile exploration. Download Lesson Plan : Skills Practiced Key Food Vocabulary Tactile Sensory Processing Fine Motor Skills Materials Language Builder 3D - 2D Animal Matching Kit Target Food (select

How to Bring Positive Psychology into Special Education and Inclusive Classrooms for Students with Autism

How can you help your students discover stillness? joy? authenticity? Positive psychology is the science of well-being, which applied, can bring more positivity and happiness into your classroom. Try investing in these easy “rituals,” or habits, to transform your classroom into

Lesson Plan: Using Identical Matching to Teach Beginning Language Skills to Children with Autism

Download the Matching Cards Lesson Plan {{cta('85114cfa-3835-4bb8-bcfe-e73a4026c18a','justifycenter')}} Lesson Overview Students will use Language Builder 3D – 2D Matching Kits to practice matching things that are the same. Skills Practiced Matching Social skills Materials Langu

Storytelling and Recall with Animals Lesson Plan

Lesson Overview Teach storytelling skills, animal names, and recall skills with this story-based lesson plan. Download Lesson Plan : Skills Practiced Storytelling Recall Improvisation Materials Language Builder 3D - 2D Animal Matching Kit Blank Flashcards (Optional) Drawing supp

Mastering Matching 3D - 2D Lesson Plan

Lesson Overview In this lesson, the child will learn how to match 3D objects to 2D picture cards of the same object. Download Lesson Plan : Skills Practiced 3D - 2D Matching Receptive Language Materials Language Builder 3D - 2D Animal Matching Kit People This lesson is best suit

Five Principles of Positive Psychology to Transform Your Parenting with Your Child with Autism

Positive Psychology is a novel and accessible science that focuses on cultivating well-being, positivity, and happiness in the lives of individuals and families. Positive Psychology can help transform the way you parent your child with autism. Change can be created by investing

Music Therapy for Children with Autism

Choosing the Best Program for Your Child Benefits Overview Music has been an enriching and meaningful way for people to engage with each other throughout time, and music can provide powerful, multi-sensory experiences for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It is espec

My Favorite Things Lesson Plan

Lesson Overview Learn about different action verbs and express why they dislike or like common activities Download Lesson Plan : Skills Practiced Asking and answering “why” questions Identifying and associating verbs and common emotions Materials Stages Learning Verb Cards Stage

Five Research-Based Strengths Associated with Autism

Genius, Attention to Detail, Problem Solving, Memory, and Visual Skills All children, whether or not they are neurotypical, have unique sets of strengths and weaknesses. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often also have some unique challenges to overcome in building r

Where Do You Move? Lesson Plan

Lesson Overview Learn about different action verbs and review prepositions through the Stages Learning Verb Cards Download Lesson Plan : Skills Practiced Vocabulary Grammar (present and prepositions) Materials Stages Learning Verb Cards Table large enough to spread out verb card

Let's Move With Verbs Lesson Plan

Lesson Overview Learn about different action verbs and review present and past tense through the Stages Learning Verb Cards Download Lesson Plan : Skills Practiced Acting Vocabulary Grammar (present and past tense verbs) Materials Stages Learning Verb Cards Space to move around

How to Choose a Summer Camp for Your Child with Autism

Summer camp can be a positive and enriching experience for children on the autism spectrum, providing an alternative to the rigorous school year routine and opportunities for peer interactions. However, finding the right fit for your child can be intimidating and does require re

Top 10 Tips for Traveling with Kids with Autism

Travel can be a beautiful way to explore a new environment, bond as a family, and learn together. For children on the autism spectrum, travel can also mean venturing through unfamiliar routines and adjusting to stressful, chaotic situations. However, with thoughtful preparation,

Ten Tips for Visiting Family When Your Child Has Autism

With the holiday season comes family gatherings, cozy meals, vacation plans, and yes — a dash of festive chaos. Traveling to visit family can be stressful even when everything goes as expected. However, a bit of planning and preparation can help keep your holiday season the most

Stages Learning Language Builder Cards: The Choice for Autism Researchers

For over a decade, researchers have been relying on tools developed by Stages Learning to evaluate approaches that are most effective for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Wide-ranging research topics span from assistive technologies to socio-emotional learning, and

Tips and Strategies for Helping Children with Autism Develop New Routines

With difficulty making sense of their surroundings and feelings of anxiety, children with autism often develop routines and rituals to have some form of order and structure to their lives. Everyday routines such as washing and teeth brushing are generally consistent. There are t

Helping Children with Autism Develop Friendships

5 guidelines for the class or the home Friendships can have a major impact on wellbeing and personal growth, yet building new relationships can be anxiety provoking for adults and children alike. So, imagine how hard it can be for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), w

Can Horseback Riding Help Children with Autism?

The Benefits of Equine Therapy What is Equine Therapy?

10 Tips for Teaching Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Top Tips to Help You Get Started All children have unique learning needs, but children with Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD require a little extra guidance and support. Whether you’re a parent or teacher, it’s essential to understand what a child with autism needs and how you ca

Wandering and Autism: 6 Strategies to Prevent Wandering Behavior

Wandering or “elopement,” a common behavioral occurrence among children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), refers to the tendency to leave a safe, supervised space or caregiver and subsequently expose oneself to potential danger. Wandering is both tragic and terrifying for par

Research White Paper: Vocabulary Cards for Early Word Learning

Link4Fun Cards are new language-learning tools designed to scaffold preschool language development by synchronizing traditional manipulatives with digital media. Children tap flashcards against the screen of an iPad to display interactive digital content that engages them sensor

How to Help Young Children with Autism Avoid Behavior Problems

Linda Hodgdon has been a long-time friend of Stages Learning and is author of the best-selling book, " Visual Strategies for Improving Communication ." We have invited her to impart some of her wisdom and experience in a guest blog and she discusses an important topic that comes

How a Child’s Special Interests Can Assist in Learning and Growing

Affinities, Avatars, and Autism: Oh My! Learning empathy from Simba. Recognizing emotions with Ariel. It may seem unconventional, but the inspiring story about Owen Suskind, an autistic child depicted in the book and adapted award-winning documentary, Life, Animated , illustrate

5 Ways to Help Reduce Anxiety in Children with Autism

Download FREE Autism Behavior Intervention Technique {{cta('4be34b8e-fbdf-462d-b166-928e9953dd40','justifycenter')}} It’s likely that we all know someone who experiences anxiety, and there’s no doubt that anxiety can be exhausting and can interfere with daily life. For children

Six Simple Mindfulness Practices for Kids with Autism

The practice of quieting the mind, otherwise known as mindfulness, is increasingly being practiced across the board – from Google executives to classrooms as a replacement to detention (Bloom, 2016). Mindfulness specifically refers to the practice of paying attention to the pres

7 Tips for Teaching Your Child with Autism to Cook

I can still remember when I was a child watching my mother cook. Her face always beamed with a smile so big that everyone could tell how much joy she had in preparing a great meal for my family. It seemed cooking was not only a hobby that she enjoyed, but also one of her passion

Best Sports for Autistic Children

5 Tips for Helping Your Child Succeed in Sports It is no secret that sports are a big part of most people’s lives. More than 100 million people in the United States alone tune in to watch the Super Bowl every year. However, being a sports fan and playing a sport are two complete

Social Thinking: 6 Strategies for Teaching Children with Autism

What is Social Thinking? Social Thinking is a flexible teaching framework that is designed to help individuals ages four and up with autism spectrum disorder and other social and communication difficulties. The framework helps these individuals better understand the process by w

Leveraging Special Interests to Help Children with Autism: An Autistic Person* Shares Her Experiences

Having a special interest in something is a major part of the repetitive behavior that comes with autism. In fact, researcher Tony Attwood (2003) found that special interests seem “to be a dominant characteristic, occurring in over 90% of children and adults with Asperger’s synd

Book Review: “Why Johnny Doesn’t Flap”

This is a book review of “Why Johnny doesn’t Flap,” a book about an autistic boy’s neurotypical (meaning without neurological disabilities) friend, Johnny. I will give a brief description of the book’s story, illustrations and message.

How to Foster Social Skills Development at School: A Guide for Teachers and School Counselors

Social Skills & Autism Autism Spectrum Disorder is characterized by deficits in social communication and interaction. This can include challenges in social-emotional reciprocity and non-verbal communication used in social interactions. This can often lead to children with autism

Hide and Seek with Blocks Lesson Plan

Lesson Overview Play this twist on hide and seek to teach collaboration and teamwork.

Interactive Bridging Books for Early Literacy: Research White Paper

This White Paper was written by Consulting Services for Education in order to better understand the learning impact of the newest Stages Learning product: Link4Fun Books. These "bridging" books are designed to support early literacy using innovative new technology and research b

Practicing Number Skills with Blocks Lesson Plan

Lesson Overview Use the Language Builder Blocks as a quick way to practice number skills.

How To Make Life Easier for a Person Who Uses Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

As an autistic person, I am very familiar with AAC. I use it, and I am around others who use it too. Because it is AAC awareness month, I thought this was a good opportunity to write about it.

Let's Build: How Playing With Blocks Benefits Children

This resource was created as a supplement for the Language Builder: Academic Readiness Intervention System (ARIS) complete early autism curriculum, Lesson #63, Block Imitation - Basic Structures. Download a free copy of the lesson and learn more about the ARIS curriculum . It’s

Improv Storytelling with Blocks Lesson Plan

Lesson Overview This lesson will build storytelling skills in a hilarious, creative way. Download Lesson Plan : Skills Practiced Storytelling Gross motor development Geometry, numerical skills Communication skills Materials Language Builder Blocks People Play with just one child

11 Classroom Management Strategies for Children with Special Needs

Strategies to use with your students Inclusion is a great thing. Children with special needs are no longer isolated in “Special Ed” classrooms and only seen on the playground or in the lunchroom. Kids with special needs thrive in the presence of their peers. There are so many le

Autism Explained

An Autistic Woman Explains Common Autism Characteristics and Misconceptions Basics- What is autism? Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder. It is a condition that affects every part of a person’s life. Autism is diagnosed by looking at the three ‘pillars’ of autism: Repeti

Author Catlaina Vrana On Her New Book “Ella Autie”

Hi! My name is Catlaina, and I am the author of "Ella Autie". "Ella Autie" was a book made for my senior project. Here is a quick summary:

Cool Down Spaces: Best Practices for Managing Challenging Behaviors in the Classroom or the Home

Parents and teachers can feel confused and uncomfortable when students shout, cry, or act in ways that appear developmentally or culturally inappropriate. It’s helpful to learn who you can turn to for training or advice on behavior management and it’s equally useful to learn a f

Creating Spaces that Work for Children with Autism

If you’re like me, there’s nothing more appealing than a home renovation show where a grand reveal shows furniture that is perfectly staged and pristine. As a teacher, this enthusiasm for design and decoration carried over to my classroom even though I was often tasked with maki

Building Vocabulary with U-Play Mat Lesson Plan

Lesson Overview Students will use the U-Play Mat to practice identifying, categorizing, and communicating with vocabulary words. Each part of the lesson plan can be extended or shortened depending on the needs of the child.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Autism

Knowing What to Look for with Autism Have you ever worried that your child is exhibiting symptoms of autism, but had no one to go to and no understanding of how to acquire a diagnosis and ensure that your child will receive the help they need?

“What Happens Next?”: Strategies for Teaching Your Child Sequencing Skills

Sequencing is the ability to logically order events, images, thoughts, and actions. Why is sequencing important for children? FREE Download: Sequencing Cards Lesson Plan {{cta('b8f89277-aabd-4cc7-8dc3-58a90e65d5bd')}}

Sequencing Cards Lesson Plan

Download the Sequencing Cards Lesson Plan {{cta('b8f89277-aabd-4cc7-8dc3-58a90e65d5bd','justifycenter')}} Lesson Overview Students will use sequencing cards to review vocabulary words and practice ordering events. Skills Practiced Picture identification and vocabulary Fine and g

Building Language: What Does the Research Say?

Understanding the research on language development Think of a weekend visit to a park swarming with children. Kids playing soccer, kids swinging on the monkey bars, kids talking a mile a minute, kids climbing the jungle gym. Chances are a few of those kids have autism, a conditi

Feelings Box Lesson Plan

Lesson Overview Students will review the Emotion Flash Cards and create their own chart depicting various emotions. Students will then think of emotions they show outside and inside to make a feelings box.

Animal Cards Dance Party

Lesson Overview Students will make an animal that they would most like to be or admire in some way. Students will then choose a song that their animal likes and move their animal to the rhythm of the music. Students will then listen to various types of music and choose other ani

What Just Happened?

Lesson Overview Students will verbalize an inference about the events leading up to a visual scene by explaining “what just happened” in response to visual cues.

Autism and Art Therapy: Four Beneficial Treatment Options

Finding the Form of Art Therapy That Works Best for Your Child For more than 70 years, creative arts therapies such as visual art therapy, music therapy, dance therapy, and drama therapy have been used in psychotherapy or counseling with individuals of all ages, particularly chi

Occupation Card Perspective-Taking

Lesson Overview Students will infer how professionals feel at work by verbally elaborating on visuals from occupation cards.

The Therapeutic Power of Pets for Children with Autism

Jackson Tillman is in third grade, lives in Kentucky, and has autism. The biggest challenge Jackson’s family has is that when a situation becomes overwhelming Jackson bolts, and when Jackson is with his grandmother she can’t keep up. That’s where Jackson’s buddy Mateo comes in.

Emotion Card Holiday Stories

Lesson Overview Students will match December holiday vocabulary words with emotion cards by creating a holiday sentence.

New Tools to Help Your Child Sleep

Research [i] confirms what many parents of children with autism already know: children with autism have a higher incidence of sleep challenges, and the more severe the autism symptoms the more severe the sleep challenges. Research, [ii] as well as common sense, also tells us tha

Using Sensory Tools to Help Kids Focus and Concentrate

Using sensory tools in your practice can provide a more focused, content and alert individual. Whether you are a specialist using ABA, speech and language techniques, occupational therapy interventions or teaching lessons, keeping the sensory needs of your children in mind while

Receptive Labeling Lesson Plan

Lesson Overview: By touching or pointing to the appropriate card, students show that they recognize the word and can identify the corresponding picture. This activity can be prefaced by the Picture ID lesson to familiarize the student with the pictures he/she is finding.

A Closer Look: Pivotal Response Training (PRT)

Overview Pivotal Response Training (PRT) is a variation of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) type therapy. It focuses on more comprehensive “pivotal” areas such as increasing a child’s motivation to learn, initiate communication, and monitor their own behaviors. This focus on mo

A Closer Look: Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI)

Overview EIBI is a type of Applied Behavioral Analysis focused on children under five years of age. New research has shown that while intensive behavioral interventions work well with all children, children starting before the age of two were likely to make the most significant

Expressive Labeling Lesson Plan

Lesson Overview: Students will practice expressive language skills by verbally identifying a picture on a card. Skills practiced include expressive language, picture identification and photo identification.

Talking about Puberty with Children with Autism

All bodies go through puberty, regardless of the developmental "age" of a child or the level of their cognitive or academic skills. It can be startling for parents to see their child with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) begin to develop an adult body and characteristics when t

Teaching Stranger Safety to Kids with Autism

Teaching young children about safety around strangers is nothing new. In fact, most adults can remember their own parents and teachers talking to them about the dangers of “taking candy from a stranger” or “getting in a car with someone you don’t know” at an early age. For today

Picture ID Lesson Plan

Lesson Overview: Students will learn picture identification based on word association. Skills practiced include receptive language and photo discrimination.

3 Ways to Build Skills for Transition Now!

Planning for a young adult with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) or other special needs to transition from special education to adult services can be overwhelming for children and their parents alike! Many parents are so intimidated by the transition process that they refuse to t

Guess Who Lesson Plan

Lesson Overview: Students increase their understanding of jobs, tools used for certain jobs and identify features of particular workers by guessing which occupation the teacher is describing.

Identical Matching Lesson Plan

Lesson Overview: This lesson plan teaches fine motor and receptive language skills in order to have students match identical pictures of familiar objects.

Functions Lesson Plan

Lesson Overview: This lesson plan practices sentence building, picture identification and vocabulary development. Students look at pictures of objects and describe the function of each item.

"I Need Help" Lesson Plan

Lesson Overview: This lesson plan reinforces the idea that sometimes, you just need a little help! Students use their problem-solving skills to identify when they need help, then advocate appropriately to get the assistance they need to complete a puzzle that is missing a piece.

Flash Cards vs. iPad Apps: Which is Best?

All over the news, we see stories about kids with autism and their iPads. Rookie reporters tout the devices as The Next Big Thing, even going so far as to refer to them as cures. I’m sure we would all agree that the touch screen tablets are amazing, for little and big kids alike

Part 4 of 4: Labeling and Requesting

Additional Activities to Develop Sentence Skills Labeling and Requesting are the most basic of all full sentence activities, and provide a basis for your student to understand that communication requires more than single word utterances. The following list of activities offers j

Part 2 of 4: Building Vocabulary

Building Expressive Vocabulary This is the step where your child learns to actually say the words out loud. All of the tasks we just described in the previous Autism and Language article come into play when building your child’s expressive vocabulary. Picture cards are a useful

Part 1 of 4: Encouraging Emerging Language and Receptive Vocabulary

Emerging Language and Building Vocabulary Language development varies from child to child, and there are wide ranges of expected “normal” language development in young children. If you have specific concerns about the pace of your child’s language development, you should definit

Part 3 of 4: From Basic Vocabulary to Building Sentences

The most popular use of the Language Builder Picture Card Series is to build vocabulary. The realistic and current photos help students to learn the name of various nouns, occupations, and emotions. In the beginning, this task can be very repetitive and basic, focusing only on l

Blending Hands-on and Digital Learning: Holiday Edition

Building on our theme of blending hands-on and digital learning, the holidays are a great time to utilize technology to help kids understand tradition and explore not only the world around them, but also beyond their own communities. No need to stress about how to keep your kids

Puzzles: Playing or Learning?

Puzzles are classic toys that come in many forms: jigsaw puzzles, peg puzzles, framed board puzzles, block puzzles, and more! When a child starts to put together puzzles they are learning about shapes and space.

Importance of Categorization

Learning to categorize items is a basic task for young children. Close your eyes for a moment and picture a typical pre-school classroom: children are sorting little plastic bears, red bears in one tub, blue in another, and green in a third; another group of children arranges pi

Teaching Kids with Autism about Emotions

Parents and educators often struggle to help children with autism communicate their feelings. When children with autism have trouble recognizing and communicating how they feel, it may contribute to inappropriate behaviors such as tantruming and aggression, or even increased soc

Eating Healthy at an Early Age

Our first experiences with food have a large effect on our eating habits for the rest of our lives, so the best time to teach good dietary habits is during the early years. Think about some of your best and worst food habits... don't you wish you had started better habits at age

Community Helpers and Occupation Flash Cards for Autism

There are so many people our children need to interact with on a weekly basis – teachers, doctors, bus drivers, dentists, janitors, crossing guards, store clerks, mail carriers…. Meeting new people can be difficult for any child, but children with autism often have a particularl

Basic Matching Activities

Why Matching Activities for Children with Autism? Note: These activities are excerpted from the Language Builder® ARIS Full Autism Curriculum developed by Stages Learning Materials. What does matching teach a child? How can this be a step toward developing language? Matching ski

Using Picture Flashcards for Language Development for Autistic* Children

Flashcards with real photo images are an essential tool for children with autism to aid them in learning language skills. A common challenge for children and adults with autism is their ability to communicate. Therapists recommend Picture Flash Cards as one of the best tools to

Using Games to Promote Peer Interaction

This resource was created as a supplement for the Language Builder: Academic Readiness Intervention System (ARIS) complete early autism curriculum, Lesson #74, Playing Games with a Peer and Lesson #126, Playing Games with Multiple Peers. Download a free copy of lesson 74 and les

Lang-O-Learn Cards Labeled in 17 Different Languages

Stages Learning Materials produces 13 flash card sets that are labeled on the reverse in 17 common languages (English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Russian, Chinese simplified, Chinese traditional, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Polish, Filipino, Portuguese, Greek, Thai, Ara

Blending Hands-On and Digital Learning Part 3

Are you still on the fence about letting your child use an iPad or other mobile technologies? The latest survey by Common Sense Media shows that even since their last survey two years ago, media habits of children have changed significantly. One large difference includes the ave

Blending Hands-On and Digital Learning Part 2

Continuing with our series on blending digital and hands-on learning, we are going to switch focus today from one-on-one activities to ways to blend hands-on and digital learning in a whole group (classroom) setting. Keeping in mind Beth Holland’s questions regarding appropriate

Blending Hands-On and Digital Learning Part 1

Stages Learning Materials presents a new blog series to discuss blending digital and hands-on learning. Mixed messages abound when it comes to using technology in early childhood. In a recent Edutopia article , Beth Holland advises teachers and parents to look beyond all the neg

Autism Technology

Over approximately the past 2 decades, with the rise in the prevalence of autism, an entire industry has grown up around treating and teaching children and adults with autism, as well as easing the challenges and improving the quality of day-to-day life for individuals on the au

Language Milestones

How many professionals have been asked: “How do I know if my child is behind in language development?” How many parents have asked the question, or at l east w ondered to themselves? Language development varies from child to child, and there are wide ranges of expected “normal”

Why Real Photo Games in Early Childhood Education?

A growing trend in Early Childhood Education is the focus on using materials with real photo images rather than illustrations. Teaching ideologies such as Montessori have long understood the importance of focusing on fact rather than fiction in the materials used for teaching yo

Classroom Bingo

Classroom Bingo is a fun teaching tool for use at home or in the classroom. With Stages’ Picture Recognition Bingo kids won’t even know that they’re learning as they listen intently to match the beautiful photographs on their player’s card with the corresponding words spoken by

Why Real Photos? What about Cartoons?

Iconicity refers to the degree of resemblance between a picture and the object that it depicts. A cartoon image, for example, would have a low degree of iconicity, while a photograph would have a higher degree of iconicity.

Not Just Why... How? - Get them Engaged!

Just using realistic pictures to interact with and teach children is not enough. The key is in the specific ways that you use the pictures to build vocabulary, communication, literacy and critical thinking skills. The following chapters will introduce many techniques and teachin

Background on Teaching Children with Autism Language Using Pictures

When very young children first begin to learn language skills, they learn new words by hearing the spoken word tied to the actual object (Richards & Goldfarb, 1986). For example, if parents repeat the word car every time they take their child to the car, the child will quickly l

Beyond the "Daycare" Trap: How Data-Driven Foundational Skills are Helping Districts Reduce Special Education Outplacements

Across the country, school district leaders are facing a reality that few could have predicted before 2020.