Classroom Strategies

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…

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L.F. Stebbins

Aug 20, 2025 · 5 min read

Classroom Strategies

Empowering Educators: The Crucial Role of People in Enhancing Special Education Programs

The success of special education students relies heavily on the dedication, expertise, and collaboration of the professionals who support them. From teachers and paraprofessionals to therapists and administrators, the pe…

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Angela Nelson

May 19, 2024 · 1 min read

Classroom Strategies

Streamlining Special Education Programs: The Importance of Effective Procedures

In the intricate tapestry of special education, procedures serve as the threads that weave together the various components of a program, ensuring a seamless and effective delivery of services. These procedures, which enc…

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Angela Nelson

May 19, 2024 · 8 min read

Classroom Strategies

Transforming Learning Spaces: Enhancing Special Education Environments for Student Success

The physical environment in which learning takes place can have a profound impact on the success and well-being of students with disabilities. From the layout and accessibility of classrooms to the incorporation of senso…

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Angela Nelson

May 19, 2024 · 5 min read

Classroom Strategies

Transforming Special Education Through Effective Practices: Insights from the 5P Framework

At the heart of every successful special education program lies a set of practices that are both effective and compassionate. These practices, which encompass everything from instructional strategies and behavioral inter…

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Angela Nelson

May 19, 2024 · 1 min read

Classroom Strategies

Maximizing Student Success: The Critical Role of the Products & Teaching Tools Used in Special Education

When it comes to supporting students with disabilities in special education programs, the importance of using the right products and teaching tools cannot be overstated. From curriculum materials and assistive technologi…

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Angela Nelson

May 19, 2024 · 2 min read

Classroom Strategies

How to Conduct a Comprehensive Special Education Program Evaluation: The 5P Framework

Are you a special education director or curriculum coordinator looking for a comprehensive approach to evaluate and improve your special education program? Do you want to ensure that your services are effectively meeting…

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Angela Nelson

May 19, 2024 · 1 min read

Classroom Strategies

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 f…

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L.F. Stebbins

Feb 4, 2024 · 9 min read

Classroom Strategies

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:

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Stages Learning

Dec 6, 2023 · 4 min read

Classroom Strategies

How Autism Kids is Working to Increase Autism Acceptance

Nonprofit is Donating 500 Autism Books to Classrooms When I started Autism Kids, I knew that I wanted our organization to be different. Founded in 2023 in Charlotte, N.C., Autism Kids has found ways...

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Rebecca Tarrant

Oct 14, 2023 · 3 min read

Classroom Strategies

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

Setting up space in your home to homeschool your child with autism 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...

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L.F. Stebbins

Oct 5, 2023 · 8 min read

Classroom Strategies

Homeschool Co-Ops for Children with Autism: 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...

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Samantha Russell

Oct 1, 2023 · 6 min read

Classroom Strategies

5 Considerations for Supporting Children with Autism and Special Needs in Early Education Programs

Recommended learning strategies for early childhood education and special education are sometimes in conflict. By focusing on students’ personal interests and curiosity, individual needs, realistic...

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Bisa Batten Lewis

Jan 27, 2023 · 6 min read

Classroom Strategies

How Universal Design for Learning Powers the ARIS Autism Curriculum

A Research White Paper What is UDL? Based on extensive research into the science of learning, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework that can be used to optimize the design of...

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L.F. Stebbins

Jan 20, 2023 · 9 min read

Classroom Strategies

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? For children, autism is an increasingly complex concept to...

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Amairani Asmad

Oct 23, 2022 · 7 min read

Classroom Strategies

IEP MEETINGS: What Can I Request for My Autistic Child?

An Individual Education Plan (IEP) is a legal document that is developed during a meeting between parents and school staff for every child eligible for special education. This plan includes a...

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Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan

Oct 10, 2022 · 6 min read

Classroom Strategies

Our Autism Journey From Special Education to Mainstream Classrooms

According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), every child with special needs has the right to be educated in the least restrictive environment (LRE) , which is the general...

YW

Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan

Sep 11, 2022 · 6 min read

Classroom Strategies

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...

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Kaitlyn Osborne

Sep 11, 2022 · 6 min read

Classroom Strategies

Autism Service Disparities for People of Color

Changing Our Practices to Catch Missed Diagnoses and Gaps in Treatment How do service disparities impact neurodivergent people and what can we do to provide wider and more inclusive...

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Amairani Asmad

Sep 4, 2022 · 7 min read

Classroom Strategies

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...

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Kenna McEvoy

Aug 27, 2022 · 9 min read

Classroom Strategies

Equity for Serving Our Rural Students

I’m from a small town in rural Kansas with no stoplights and the nearest Walmart is 30 minutes away. My father was a rancher with 200 head of cattle and my mom was a teacher at the nearby—and...

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Frankie Kietzman

Aug 14, 2022 · 7 min read

Classroom Strategies

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,...

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Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan

Aug 13, 2022 · 7 min read

Classroom Strategies

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...

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Lauren Ciran

Jun 25, 2022 · 6 min read

Classroom Strategies

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...

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Chloe Fay

Apr 10, 2022 · 4 min read

Classroom Strategies

Celebrating Pi Day: Is There a Special Connection Between Math Skills and Autism?

Happy Pi Day! (March 14 th ) Many children with autism have special skills, talents, and abilities… memorization, art and music, computer capabilities, athletics, and more! Math skills are one...

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Chloe Fay

Mar 14, 2022 · 4 min read

Classroom Strategies

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...

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Lauren Ciran

Feb 21, 2022 · 8 min read

Classroom Strategies

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. Education...

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Lauren Ciran

Feb 13, 2022 · 7 min read

Classroom Strategies

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 Valentine’s Day, the day we celebrate the people in our lives that are most important to us, is just around the corner. Many people...

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Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan

Feb 6, 2022 · 5 min read

Classroom Strategies

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...

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Sara DeFronzo

Jan 25, 2022 · 5 min read

Classroom Strategies

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 In 2023, approximately 1 in 36...

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Isabelle Eng

Nov 28, 2021 · 5 min read

Classroom Strategies

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...

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Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan

Nov 20, 2021 · 5 min read

Classroom Strategies

What Makes a Special Education Teacher Effective?

10 Characteristics that Matter Most A special education teacher that works with students with autism needs to have an array of interpersonal skills, ranging from competency and consistency to...

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Kenna McEvoy

Oct 3, 2021 · 6 min read

Classroom Strategies

10 Spectacular Virtual Field Trips for ASD 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...

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Tatiana Tortora

Oct 3, 2021 · 6 min read

Classroom Strategies

Teaching Multi-Step Skills Through Task Analysis for Students with Autism

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...

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Frankie Kietzman

Oct 3, 2021 · 6 min read

Classroom Strategies

6 Ways to Set Up Inclusion Settings Successfully for Autistic* (ASD) 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...

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Tatiana Tortora

Sep 13, 2021 · 5 min read

Classroom Strategies

What Research Has Shown About School Closures Impact on Students with ASD

As schools start up again for the 2021-2022 school year, there are a lot of questions. The previous year’s fluctuations between remote, hybrid and in-person models left everyone’s heads spinning,...

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Frankie Kietzman

Sep 12, 2021 · 4 min read

Classroom Strategies

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. Children with...

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Tatiana Tortora

Aug 28, 2021 · 6 min read

Classroom Strategies

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...

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L.F. Stebbins

Aug 27, 2021 · 10 min read

Classroom Strategies

A Teachers Guide to Toilet Training Autistic* Children: Five Key Steps

Toilet training autistic children can be a daunting task. It requires patience, time, and a team effort. But toilet training is a necessity to develop a more self-sufficient and independent...

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Tatiana Tortora

Aug 14, 2021 · 7 min read

Classroom Strategies

Ways to Develop a Strong Parent-Teacher Relationship

A Teacher’s Guide for Communicating Effectively with Families who have Autistic Children Effective communication with families is a significant piece of being a good teacher. It can be challenging...

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Tatiana Tortora

Aug 8, 2021 · 5 min read

Classroom Strategies

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...

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Christa Mullis

Jul 18, 2021 · 6 min read

Classroom Strategies

Autism 101: 10 Tips for General Education Teachers

There is a common saying in special education when referring to our learners on the autism spectrum - if you’ve met one child with autism; you’ve met one child with autism. It is important for...

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Sarah Flockton

Jul 11, 2021 · 6 min read

Classroom Strategies

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...

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Christa Mullis

Jun 25, 2021 · 10 min read

Classroom Strategies

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?”...

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Frankie Kietzman

Jun 5, 2021 · 5 min read

Classroom Strategies

3 Gifts of Grief from the Pandemic

A Special Education Teacher Reflects on a Challenging Year It has been over a year since the COVID-19 pandemic shut-down school districts nationwide. The U.S. shifted into a state of loss and...

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Erin Beach

May 30, 2021 · 4 min read

Classroom Strategies

Using Peers to Support Children with Autism in the Classroom

Could Peers Be the Solution to Support Children with Autism 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...

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Frankie Kietzman

May 9, 2021 · 5 min read

Classroom Strategies

Falling Through the Cracks: Better Identification and Integrated Treatment for ELL Students with Autism or other Special Education Needs

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...

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Signe M. Kastberg

Mar 28, 2021 · 6 min read

Classroom Strategies

Teaching Children with Autism Writing Skills

Learning to write is an important skill. For children with autism, writing provides an outlet for them to express themselves, be creative, and communicate. Learning to write is considered essential...

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Chloe Fay

Mar 20, 2021 · 4 min read

Classroom Strategies

How to Teach Sight Reading to Children with Autism

Teaching sight words to your child with autism is an important part of your child’s literacy development. Many children with autism experience delays in reading and writing. Oftentimes, children with...

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Chloe Fay

Feb 7, 2021 · 4 min read

Classroom Strategies

Product Review: Cossy Kids Magnetic Building Tiles

I have had these Cossy Kids Magnetic Building Tiles tiles for years and have seen first hand that these magnetic tiles are a huge hit with kids ranging in age from toddlers to late school aged. They...

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Stages Learning

Jan 28, 2021 · 1 min read

Classroom Strategies

Let’s Resolve to Get our Kids Back to School

This article provides a plan to return our students and staff to school safely using evidence-based medical practices and accelerated learning approaches. The author is a former superintendent of the...

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Dr. Deborah Kerr

Jan 23, 2021 · 5 min read

Classroom Strategies

10 Ways to Teach Your Child with Autism How to Have a Growth Mindset

Helping children with autism develop a growth mindset can foster greater learning, confidence and success in school “It’s okay for me to make mistakes” “When I put forward more effort, I...

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Madeline Burroughs

Nov 15, 2020 · 6 min read

Classroom Strategies

Pushing the Envelope: Voting to Protect Special Education

A Letter from the CEO: Vote to Protect Special Education Never has there been a more important time to vote. In 2016 only 60% of eligible voters actually voted! That missing 40% of voters would have...

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Angela Nelson

Oct 25, 2020 · 1 min read

Classroom Strategies

How to Spot and Prevent Cyberbullying Against Students with Autism

In the digital age, there are many opportunities for online bullying to occur, especially for children with autism Cyberbullying is a type of bullying that happens repeatedly and intentionally...

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Madeline Burroughs

Oct 4, 2020 · 5 min read

Classroom Strategies

7 Tips To Get Your Child Back Into The School Routine

Summer is near end and it’s almost time to head back to school! Gearing your child up for a normal school routine after summer fun is no easy feat; however, practice makes perfect! We know children...

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Danielle Fowler

Sep 21, 2020 · 4 min read

Classroom Strategies

Pushing the Envelope: Girls and Autism?

A Letter from the CEO: Girls and Autism? We’ve wanted to do an article about girls and autism for some time now. There is so much to say: under-diagnosis, different presenting characteristics,...

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Angela Nelson

Aug 7, 2020 · 1 min read

Classroom Strategies

10 Best Practices for Providing Teletherapy for Children with Autism

How to Provide the Most Effective Teletherapy Possible for Children with Autism For special education teachers and therapists for students with autism, teletherapy, also called E-therapy or remote...

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Madeline Burroughs

Jul 26, 2020 · 5 min read

Classroom Strategies

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

In K-12 education, there is no dispute that developing reading skills is fundamental. In fact, research suggests that early literacy instruction for students with and without disabilities is...

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Madeline Burroughs

Jun 28, 2020 · 5 min read

Classroom Strategies

Eight Tips and Resources for Explaining COVID-19 to Children with Autism

COVID-19 took the world by surprise leaving us all to adjust quickly and renavigate home, school, and work life. A top question on many families’ minds is how to explain the virus to our children...

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Arielle Doochin

Jun 21, 2020 · 5 min read

Classroom Strategies

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,...

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Chloe Fay

Mar 27, 2020 · 6 min read

Classroom Strategies

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...

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Madeline Burroughs

Mar 24, 2020 · 4 min read

Classroom Strategies

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...

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Madeline Burroughs

Jan 22, 2020 · 6 min read

Classroom Strategies

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....

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Madeline Burroughs

Oct 3, 2019 · 4 min read

Classroom Strategies

World Autism Awareness Day 2019: A Look Back and a Look Forward

Tracing the journey of improved diagnoses, treatment and educational outcomes for children with autism April 2, 2019 marks the twelfth annual observation of World Autism Awareness Day. As...

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Jenna Wharff

Apr 1, 2019 · 6 min read

Classroom Strategies

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...

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Chloe Fay

Dec 8, 2018 · 4 min read

Classroom Strategies

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,...

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Emma Shanahan

Aug 19, 2018 · 4 min read

Classroom Strategies

Does My Student Have Autism? A Guide for Teachers

It’s a couple months into the school year. The kids in your class know where to put unsharpened pencils, how to ask to go to the bathroom, and what to expect day to day. You have a strong sense of...

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Emma Shanahan

Jul 22, 2018 · 5 min read

Classroom Strategies

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...

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Arianna Riccio

May 10, 2018 · 4 min read

Classroom Strategies

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...

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Arianna Riccio

Mar 17, 2018 · 4 min read

Classroom Strategies

How to Prepare For Your IEP Meeting - For Parents of Children with Autism

Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) are defined as written plans outlining a program designed to meet the unique needs of one child. Walking into an IEP meeting prepared will help you and the...

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Lauren Panzano

Mar 15, 2018 · 5 min read

Classroom Strategies

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...

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Dana Jandhyala

Aug 30, 2017 · 4 min read

Classroom Strategies

Interviews from the Field: Sarah Scruton

Sarah Scruton is an English teacher at Triton Regional High School in Byfield, MA. Although Sarah is a general education teacher, she provides excellent insight into how to make accommodations for...

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Kasey Salvatore

Nov 18, 2016 · 6 min read

Classroom Strategies

Interviews from the Field: Timothy Jepson

Timothy Jepson teaches chemistry to sophomores at Triton Regional High School in Byfield, Massachusetts. Although he teaches general education, it is imperative that he make accommodations within his...

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Kasey Salvatore

Nov 15, 2016 · 7 min read

Classroom Strategies

Interviews from the Field: Stephanie Hicks

As a behavior analyst, Stephanie Hicks experiences the field of special education through multiple lenses. Stephanie works mainly with classroom teachers, parents and a variety of therapists on how...

KS

Kasey Salvatore

Nov 13, 2016 · 7 min read

Classroom Strategies

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...

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Briana Brukilacchio

Sep 19, 2016 · 5 min read

Classroom Strategies

Janet Sauer: Parent, Professional and Educator

Interviews from the field As a Special Education Associate Professor at Lesley University, a parent of a child with special needs, and a previous K-12 educator, Janet Sauer has many insights into the...

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Kasey Salvatore

Sep 19, 2016 · 6 min read

Classroom Strategies

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...

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Rebecca Pagitt-Mungai

Sep 15, 2016 · 6 min read

Classroom Strategies

Stages Learning Serves as Incubator for New Harvard Graduate Student Interns

Back-to-school energy was in the air at the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s (HGSE) Fall Intern Fair where Stages Learning staff met and recruited eager and passionate new students who are...

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Rebecca Pagitt-Mungai & Kristen Nichols

Sep 13, 2016 · 2 min read

Classroom Strategies

A Special Thank You to a Special Teacher

A Former Student with Autism Shares his Gratitude for a Teacher that Helped Him Succeed When I was growing up, school was very rough for me. I struggled with many of the same social and emotional...

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Nathan Hughes

Sep 12, 2016 · 5 min read

Classroom Strategies

Stages Learning Top Resources for Autism

Our favorite resources around the web Stages Learning has compiled a selective list of high quality resources and support information for parents, teachers, and families. Please contact us by filling...

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Marina Ebert

Aug 31, 2016 · 5 min read

Classroom Strategies

Help Spread the Word about Autism in China

Before I came to study in the US seven months ago, “autism” was just a word I memorized when I prepared for standardized tests. I seldom encountered the word in a contextualized situation in my life,...

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Sihan Yang

Mar 31, 2016 · 5 min read

Classroom Strategies

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...

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Jenna Wharff

May 30, 2015 · 10 min read

Classroom Strategies

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!...

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Jenna Wharff

Apr 27, 2015 · 11 min read

Classroom Strategies

Using Apps to Support Fine Motor Development

Most early childhood classrooms are stocked with blocks, crayons, puzzles, and many other tools that support fine motor development. With the iPad becoming ubiquitous across all subject areas in the...

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Lindsey Dunn

Apr 17, 2014 · 3 min read

Classroom Strategies

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...

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Angela Nelson

Apr 17, 2014 · 1 min read

Classroom Strategies

SXSWedu Special Education Overview

This past week Stages Learning Materials fled the arctic tundra of Boston and Cincinnati to ( what we thought would be) the warmer weather of Austin, Texas and SXSWedu. What is SXSWedu? It is...

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Lindsey Dunn

Apr 17, 2014 · 4 min read

Classroom Strategies

Integrating Your Child into the Mainstream Classroom

When you first begin your one-on-one intensive teaching program with a child with autism or developmental delay, the environment is very structured. Often one child will sit alone at a table with one...

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Angela Nelson

Apr 17, 2014 · 2 min read

Classroom Strategies

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...

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Angela Nelson

Apr 16, 2014 · 2 min read

Classroom Strategies

Back to School Success

New routine, new teachers, new classrooms…. New, new, new! This can be stressful for all children, but even more so for children with autism and other special needs. What can you do to minimize...

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Angela Nelson

Apr 15, 2014 · 4 min read

Classroom Strategies

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...

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Lindsey Dunn

Apr 15, 2014 · 4 min read

Classroom Strategies

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...

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Lindsey Dunn

Apr 15, 2014 · 4 min read

Classroom Strategies

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...

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Angela Nelson

Apr 14, 2014 · 1 min read

Classroom Strategies

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...

AN

Angela Nelson

Apr 14, 2014 · 3 min read

Classroom Strategies

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...

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Angela Nelson

Apr 10, 2014 · 2 min read

Classroom Strategies

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...

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Tori Lehinger

5 min read

Classroom Strategies

Not on Twitter? Reasons Why You Should Be

I know, I know – you just conquered Facebook so why should you even consider joining yet ANOTHER social media network? Believe it or not, Twitter is more than just a status update...

AN

Angela Nelson

4 min read

All Classroom Strategies

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

Empowering Educators: The Crucial Role of People in Enhancing Special Education Programs

Streamlining Special Education Programs: The Importance of Effective Procedures

Transforming Learning Spaces: Enhancing Special Education Environments for Student Success

Transforming Special Education Through Effective Practices: Insights from the 5P Framework

Maximizing Student Success: The Critical Role of the Products & Teaching Tools Used in Special Education

How to Conduct a Comprehensive Special Education Program Evaluation: The 5P Framework

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

Leveling Up the Power of Paraprofessionals

How Autism Kids is Working to Increase Autism Acceptance

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

Homeschool Co-Ops for Children with Autism: Creating Connection

5 Considerations for Supporting Children with Autism and Special Needs in Early Education Programs

How Universal Design for Learning Powers the ARIS Autism Curriculum

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

IEP MEETINGS: What Can I Request for My Autistic Child?

Our Autism Journey From Special Education to Mainstream Classrooms

Creating a Positive Online Experience for Your Student With Autism

Autism Service Disparities for People of Color

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

Equity for Serving Our Rural Students

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

Supporting Students in the Least Restrictive Environment

10 Easy Grants for Teachers for Their Autism Classrooms

Celebrating Pi Day: Is There a Special Connection Between Math Skills and Autism?

Six Co-Teaching Models That Really Work in Inclusion Classrooms

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

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

A Former Job Coach Shares Her Experience Working With Autistic Children

How Can I Support Autistic Students in My Classroom?

How to Help Autistic Students Who Have SENSORY Processing Disorder

What Makes a Special Education Teacher Effective?

10 Spectacular Virtual Field Trips for ASD Students

Teaching Multi-Step Skills Through Task Analysis for Students with Autism

6 Ways to Set Up Inclusion Settings Successfully for Autistic* (ASD) Students

What Research Has Shown About School Closures Impact on Students with ASD

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

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

A Teachers Guide to Toilet Training Autistic* Children: Five Key Steps

Ways to Develop a Strong Parent-Teacher Relationship

A Guide to Types of Visual Schedules for Autistic* Individuals

Autism 101: 10 Tips for General Education Teachers

6 Great Autistic* Characters on Children's Media

Who's Who on the IEP Team?

3 Gifts of Grief from the Pandemic

Using Peers to Support Children with Autism in the Classroom

Falling Through the Cracks: Better Identification and Integrated Treatment for ELL Students with Autism or other Special Education Needs

Teaching Children with Autism Writing Skills

How to Teach Sight Reading to Children with Autism

Product Review: Cossy Kids Magnetic Building Tiles

Let’s Resolve to Get our Kids Back to School

10 Ways to Teach Your Child with Autism How to Have a Growth Mindset

Pushing the Envelope: Voting to Protect Special Education

How to Spot and Prevent Cyberbullying Against Students with Autism

7 Tips To Get Your Child Back Into The School Routine

Pushing the Envelope: Girls and Autism?

10 Best Practices for Providing Teletherapy for Children with Autism

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

Eight Tips and Resources for Explaining COVID-19 to Children with Autism

Coronavirus: Keeping a Routine Schedule at Home

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

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

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

World Autism Awareness Day 2019: A Look Back and a Look Forward

Autism and Inclusive Sports

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

Does My Student Have Autism? A Guide for Teachers

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

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

How to Prepare For Your IEP Meeting - For Parents of Children with Autism

10 Tips for Teaching Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Interviews from the Field: Sarah Scruton

Interviews from the Field: Timothy Jepson

Interviews from the Field: Stephanie Hicks

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

Janet Sauer: Parent, Professional and Educator

Creating Spaces that Work for Children with Autism

Stages Learning Serves as Incubator for New Harvard Graduate Student Interns