Strategies for Diagnosis:

Diagnosis Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Level 2
Special Ed Category- G
Low Incidence

Summary Summary of Diagnosis:

- Delays in speech, eye contact, play with other children and
social interactions
- Family members and other caregivers are often first to
notice
- Varies widely in severity and symptoms
- May not be diagnosed until later in life
- Accurate diagnosis and early identification can make a big
difference
- Some have serious cognitive delays and sensory problems

Areas that COULD require extra support:

- Social relationships and awareness
- Communication
- Dependence on routines
- Sensory stimulation
- Behaviour (behaviour is communication)
- Intellectual functioning
- Toileting and eating

Possible 1) Establish clear and consistent routines

strategies and 2) Let students know about a change in routine (ex. Fire
adaptations to drills, field trips, guest speakers etc.) well in advance and
support the prepare them with options and social stories.
student in an 3) Consider sensory needs. Provide items like noise
inclusive canceling headphones, different fidgets and areas that
classroom make the student feel comfortable.
4) Communicate with caregivers. They will know how to
support their child the best- work as a team!
5) If the student is able to communicate effectively, ask them
how they learn best.
6) Pair the student with peers who are positive role models
7) Provide processing time and visual schedules
8) Give positive directions (“please sit in your chair”)
instead of negative directions (“don’t do stand up”) so
students know exactly what you are asking.
9) Teach to interests
10) Give students choices
11) Teach calming and self regulation strategies
Resources:

Autism Canada. See the Spectrum Differently. (2021) https://autismcanada.org/

Autism Speaks. Autism in the Classroom: Strategies for Success. (2023)

https://www.autismspeaks.org/tool-kit-excerpt/autism-classroom-strategies

Reading Rockets. Supporting Students with Autism: 10 Ideas for Inclusive Classrooms. Paula
Kluth (2010).
https://www.readingrockets.org/article/supporting-students-autism-10-ideas-inclusive-classroom
s