Step 1 in the Seven Steps for Setting Up a Stellar Autism Classroom: Organization and Planning. Don’t be tempted to skip this step. The classroom process should be purposeful and thoughtful. Spend time actively brainstorming and evaluating the needs of your students. Remember, as Dr. Stephen Shore said, “If you’ve meet one individual with autism, you’ve meet one individual with autism.” Your classroom should be changing and evolving every year because the needs of your students will be changing every year. 

In this episode, we review important topics to begin the planning process. First we discuss how to create a “student need snapshot” by reviewing your students’ IEPs. Then we cover several important areas of the classroom to begin thinking about how the needs of your students will impact these areas. Finally, we start to make a list of centers for your classroom to address the IEP goals. Types of centers include group centers, direction instruction, paraprofessional led centers, independent center, and leisure centers. Many examples for each type are discussed! 

Our classrooms sometimes look different because the needs of our students are so different. Let some good brainstorming and reflection drive your setup process! 

Classroom Setup Checklist: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Seven-Steps-for-Setting-Up-a-Stellar-Autism-Room-CHECKLIST-1338047

20 Questions for Organizing and Planning you setup: https://theautismhelper.com/organization-planning-20-questions-ask-starting-classroom-setup/

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