For Students

Strategies for students:

• Use visual aids 
• Follow visual schedules and pictures of behavior expectations
• Use visual aids to express needs and moods

• Students should sit where they are least distracted

• Stay tuned into sensory issues 

• Use noise reduction headphones if necessary

• Sensory Integration Checklist

• Follow consistent, predictable routines

• Familiarity and a regular daily regimen help decrease agitation and increase calmness

• Social Stories 

• Social stories are written or visual guides describing various social interactions, situations, behaviours, skills or concepts
• Students with autism tend to respond better if they understand why a rule exists 
• For example, it is important to remain quiet - no noise or talking - while the teacher is speaking. If it is noisy, the students will not be able to hear her
• Social Stories on Behavior

• Use Assistive Technologies 
• Smart phones and Apple iDevices (iPad, iTouch, iPhone)
• There are apps for teaching reading, apps for teaching social skills, apps for teaching vocabulary and apps for communication.
• Click here for a list of autism apps

Calming Strategies

Online Games

SensoryWorld                            Zac Browser (Download)
WhizKids                                     MouseTrial
Avens Corner (Pre-school)          Make Your Own Comic Strip
Feelings Game                           Education City

Sources

"Educating Students with Autism". Autism Speaks. <http://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/sctk_educating_students_with_autism.pdf>

"Social Stories". Living Well With Autism. <http://livingwellwithautism.com/social_stories>

"Toys & Games". Autism Speaks. <http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/resource-library/toys-games>