11 strategies

Extended Educational Programming

Providing more educational time through extended school days and/or extended school years based on an individual student’s needs.

AAP recommendation for child engagement (extended educational program)

25 hours per week of active child engagement, 12 months per year.

Day Schedules

Creating structured daily schedules that minimize unstructured time and keep students actively engaged in learning activities.

Key considerations for Day Schedules

Predictable routines, flexibility during lunch/snack/recess, and adapting schedules to individual skill levels.

In-Home and Community-Based Training

Providing training at home and in the community to help students develop social and behavioral skills.

TEA guidance on skill generalization

Students with autism may struggle to use skills learned in one environment in another.

Positive Behavior Support Strategies

Using positive behavior strategies based on information about the student’s individual needs.

Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)

Should be developed from a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) using current data about target behaviors.

Future Planning

Beginning by age 16, planning for the student’s future should focus on integrated living, work, community, and educational environments.

Parent/Family Training and Support

Providing families with training to help their child succeed at home and in the community.

Key aspect of Parent Training

Parents need training, resources, and support to maintain consistent interventions at home and in the community.

Staff-to-Student Ratio

Providing an appropriate amount of staff support based on the student’s individual needs and developmental level.

Goal of Staff support

The goal is to gradually increase student independence by reducing adult support as the student makes progress.

Social Skills Supports and Strategies

Teaching social skills using assessments and structured curricula across different settings.

Professional Educator/Staff Support

Providing training to teachers and staff to correctly implement the strategies and techniques in the student’s IEP.

Research-Based Teaching Strategies

Using peer-reviewed, research-based teaching methods designed for students with autism.

Key reminders about teaching strategies

Teaching strategies must be research-based and individualized to the student’s needs.