Classroom setup

We’ve got a Runner! A closer look at elopement and wandering for students with Autism.

Elopement and Autism

When I used to hear the word ‘Elopement’ I thought of two lovers running off to get hitched… but having been in Autism Units and LIFE Skills classrooms for so long ‘Elopement’ means something different. It means something that’s downright scary.

And it is downright scary when you look up and realize one of your students has wandered away or “eloped” the sense of panic that engulfs you is petrifying. Just downright scary.

It is also exhausting when you have to constantly stand in front of a door or always block a student from running (like out the door and into traffic). Just downright exhausting.

So what do you do? How do you get some control back when studies suggest nearly half of student with Autism wander or elope? Well, here are a few helpful tips and strategies…

Station Rotations in Autism Units

Station Rotations in Autism Units and LIFE Skills Station Rotations are a must for anyone in a self-contained classroom. It’s overwhelming. Do you ever sit… Read More »Station Rotations in Autism Units

How to create independent work stations and tasks for students with Autism or Sped.

Works Tasks for Students with Autism

Work Tasks for Students with Autism

You are not the first teacher to think that everyone in your classroom feels like a 1:1 student… they all need help! It is overwhelming to think of how to meet the needs of everyone in your room. Great news is there is a way to help bring calm to your room and some sanity to your mind. You have to have some independent work tasks!

What Are Work Tasks?

There are a few things you have to know before you start using work tasks in your classroom. No matter the task you use, the system only works if your students can answer these 4 questions about the task:

Visual Schedules for Autism Units- Lots of great examples and free printables!

Visual Schedules in Autism Classrooms

I don’t know about you, but I am a visual person. I have post-its and doodles and things all over to remind me of what I need to get done. And the truth is visuals help most people… ever sit through a training where the slides were nothing but words? Torture. So why wouldn’t we have visual schedules for our students?

Tips on Visual Schedules

“Where do I go?”
Let’s check your schedule!

Having a visual schedule helps students a lot. It helps students figure out where to go and also helps figure out what to do when they get there! There are a few perks to having personal schedules for students (beyond what is generally posted in the classroom).

All about Visual Structures for Autism Classrooms with FREE Visuals!

Visual Structure for Autism Classrooms

Visual Structure is a pillar of structured classrooms… and I have walked into Autism classrooms where teachers have told me that they didn’t have visuals because their students didn’t need it.

I don’t know about you guys, but I need visual structure to be successful, why wouldn’t our students?