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Why Do Autistic People Like Trains (Special Interests and Autism)

Have you ever wondered why people with autism spectrum disorder have a strong affinity for trains? As a K-12 teacher, you may have noticed some of your autistic students expressing a keen interest in train-related activities, such as playing with toy trains or reciting train numbers. Trains, with their predictability, technical details, and sensory experiences, are a perfect fit for the intense interests that many autistic individuals have. In this blog post, we’ll explore exactly why do autistic people like trains so much and how you can use this knowledge to better support students with autism in your classroom. So, all aboard!

Examples of Positive Punishment in the Classroom

When it comes to classroom management and behavior modification, experts often discuss using positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior. However, another important aspect that sometimes gets overlooked is positive punishment. Now, before you cringe at the word “punishment,” let’s explore how it can be used as an effective tool to shape behavior in a classroom setting. In this post, we cover some examples of positive punishment in the classroom and better define it too.

Autism Behavior Checklist - Teacher Screening Tools

Autism Behavior Checklist – What to Look For when Screening

Hey teachers, want to make a real difference in your classroom? Discover the power of an autism behavior checklist! Learn how to observe and understand your students with autism. Take that first step toward providing the support they need. Read our post and get your FREE resource now! #AutismBehaviorChecklist #InclusiveTeaching

How to Stop Inappropriate Laughter with Autism- A Step by Step Guide

5 Tips on How to Stop Inappropriate Laughter with Autism

The sound of a child laughing is like medicine! Right? Well… that may be true, but for a special ed teacher, the sound of a child endlessly laughing is confusing. What’s worse is that for a child with autism, that laughter could be indicative of needs that should be addressed. In other words, that laughter may be an alarm for help that’s needed. In this post, we’ll cover the 5 best tips on how to stop inappropriate laughter with autism in the classroom. Let’s dive in!

Cerebral Palsy vs Autism - 7 Key Differences for Teachers

Cerebral Palsy vs Autism: 7 Key Differences Between Them

Let’s face it… as a special education teacher, you never know what types of students will end up in your classroom. Disabilities and abilities will vary greatly from year to year and student to student. Understanding the differences between them can be the key to providing effective support and creating a positive and inclusive classroom. In this post, we’ll explore the key differences in cerebral palsy vs autism in detail. Then we’ll give you some specific strategies and ideas that will help you better support your students. Let’s dive in and help you to transform your classroom and instruction!

7 Ideas on Fine Motor Skills in Children with Down Syndrome

As educators working with students who have significant disabilities, we know how essential it is to support their growth in various areas. Fine motor skills are the building blocks of daily activities, self-care skills, and communication, and they play a crucial role in a child’s ability to navigate the world. To do that effectively, we need some creative and effective ways to enhance fine motor skills in the classroom. Let’s dive into some ideas on developing fine motor skills in children with Down syndrome.

Intellectual Disability versus Autism - Key Differences and Similarities

Intellectual Disability vs Autism (The Main Differences)

As a teacher, adjusting instruction and classroom management to meet the needs of students can be tough. It’s made even harder when students have a wide variety of disabilities in one classroom. In this post, we are going to dish on the main differences between individuals with an intellectual disability vs autism. Hopefully, this will help you set up an inclusive classroom that is responsive to student needs.

Structured Classroom Layout in Special Ed - How to via Noodle Nook

Structured Classroom Layout – FREE Checklist for SpEd Success

Physical Structure is a pillar of structured classrooms- and I am always shocked at how many people get their structured classroom layout all wrong!

If you’re gearing up to transform your classroom empty classroom into a dynamic space for students with special needs, there’s one thing you absolutely need for sure: To nail that physical structure! Your structured classroom layout is the secret weapon to make your year a success… and trust me, it’s easier than you think to do!

Autism Independent Living Skills - Essential Life Skills for Special Ed via Noodle Nook

9 Essential Life Skills for Students with Autism

Living an independent life is a dream for every young adult, including those on the autism spectrum. However, achieving this goal requires mastering certain essential life skills. In this blog post, we’ll explore nine essential life skills for students with autism that can set them up for postsecondary success. From managing daily routines to handling money and social interactions, these autism independent living skills will empower individuals with autism (and those with an array of other developmental disabilities or intellectual disabilities) to confidently navigate adult life. If you are a special education teacher, grab a pen and paper… Let’s dive in and discover how these functional life skills can lead to greater independence and fulfillment in everyday life.

Creating a Classroom Paradise: Stress-Free Back to School Transition Tips for Teachers

Hey there, teachers! It’s that time of the year again – back to school! We know how important it is to start the new year on the right foot. Target has had the school supplies set up since basically the last day of school. I guess that means our poolside vaca is over. No worries. We’ve got your back with some awesome stress-free back to school transition tips for teachers, just like you. Let’s dive right in!