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Teaching Students with Autism: A Guide for Educators

This guide helps K-12 educators create a great school experience for students with autism with tips to capitalize on students' strengths, strategies to address their challenges, and resources for providing individualized support.
Published: November 2014 Last Updated: June 2020

Across the country, the number of children diagnosed as having autism has increased substantially and many of these students are in general education classrooms. How can general education teachers and other education professionals address their complex communication, social and learning needs?

We believe that all students deserve a great public education–and part of that experience is having access to the general curriculum and school experience.

    Inclusion is not about disability, nor is it only about schools. Inclusion is about social justice. Inclusion demands that we ask, what kind of world do we want to create? –Mara Sapon-Shevin, Syracuse University

    In this guide, we cover areas key to building an inclusive education that sets educators and students up for success from day 1. The guide include sections on:

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    The National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest professional employee organization, is committed to advancing the cause of public education. NEA's 3 million members work at every level of education—from pre-school to university graduate programs. NEA has affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the United States.