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= Autism Spectrum Disorder =

=**Autism in the Classroom** = As a result of the rapid increase among children being diagnosed with having Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), what do such implications me an for future as well as current educators, both special as well as general education teachers? There is still an ongoing debate with regards to if these students who are on the spectrum and diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder should be mainstreamed into the general education classroom setting, or if their Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) is to remain at the opposite end of the inclusion grid, being placed within a self-contained special education classroom for students who have Autism. As you may have assumed the greater the development of young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, the greater the need for highly qualified educators, particularly for those with degress in special education. However, one would argue it is just as important for general education professionals to have a highly developed awareness and experience working and educating students who are on the spectrum.

Below are some photos to highlight a number of evidence based practices that have proved to be beneficial within a general as well as special education classroom as part of the everyday curriculum. The above image is a picture taken from within a sensory room. This room is implemented typically within a special education school setting, and may also be found within a general education elementary, middle, or in some cases at the high school level for students with special needs. There has been a need for sensory stimulation among students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. For instance, the mats, and swings are provide some sort of extra sensory (tactile mostly). The mats and swings are made of soft material to ensure students will not be able to self inflict. The sensory room is used as a safe environment for students to fill their sensory stimulation. This time may occur after an intense daily lesson, where students needed to remain focused and in their seats for a long duration of time. The sensory room should be used as a resource tool for students with special needs, particularly those who need extra sensory stimulation.



Extra curricular activities in school, such as physical education, and art are good areas of academia for students with special needs to learn and grow with their general education peers. A great way to do exercise in the classroom is BrainGym. BrainGym are exercises such as breathing and stretching. These exercises are to promote health awareness as well as relaxation. It has been proven that these exercises can help students with Autism relax after a stressful lesson. Click here to see BrainGym Exercises



 I will continue to edit and update this website throughout the course of this semester. Thank you, and enjoy! :)

Please contribute your thoughts by adding useful websites, evidence-based curriculum for educating students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, etc. These practices many times will prove to be useful for students in the general education classroom setting as well!