Developmental disability affecting

verbal/nonverbal communication &

social interaction. Evident by age 3,
adversely affects childs educational
performance. Often associated with
repetitive activities & stereotyped
movements, resistance to change in
environment or daily routine, and
unusual response to sensory
experiences.

Characteristics
Academic:
Wide ability range
Uneven skill development
(varied strengths/weaknesses)
Exceptional rote memory
Communication deficits
Disorganized
Learn concretely
Social
Difficulty relating to others
Fixate on specifics
Lack of sense of humor
Physical
Focuses & becomes expert
Specific food preferences
Need for structure/sameness
Sleep difficulties
Resistant to physical tough/
embrace
Sensitivity to sensory
experiences
Behavioral
Lack of spontaneous actions &
imagination
Temper tantrums, aggression,
property destruction
Obsessive, bizarre or repetitive
behaviors

Educational Approaches

Accommodations

Early intervention

FBA based BIP

Structure/consistency

Extra time

Social Skills Training

Quiet area

Visual Supports

Mini breaks
Choices
Visual Schedule

Instructional Strategies
Peer mediation
Functional Communication
Training (FCT)
Allow students w/ AU to be
peer tutors
Conduct routine social skills
assessments
oBi-weekly training
Teach student how to work as
a team member
Capitalize on teachable
moments
Uses students interests to
introduce new ideas or teach