I’m so excited to talk about the five must-haves for an autism classroom! I have taught autistic children for many years and have found amazing tricks and tools that help routines in the classroom run so much smoother.
1. Visual Schedules
I love visual schedules. They help my students SO MUCH! I always make sure these are prepped and ready for students on their first day in my classroom. To prep my schedules each school year, I stock up on AstroBrights paper. I take whole sheets and laminate them. I add velcro for the schedules, moveable arrows, and specials icons. Why do I velcro the schedules on? So that I can easily change a student’s rotations and not have to make a whole new schedule!
- Tip: make 2-3 extra schedules each year in case you get new students after the first day of school.
One type of schedule does not fit all with autism and should be differentiated for each student. Read more about types of schedules in this post by Heather.
My schedules are made using a combination of materials from Especially Education and Amy Groesbeck.
2. Flexible Seating Options
Comfort and choices in my classroom are VITAL. My students love and need flexible seating options. I have a variety of seating choices for my students because they all have various needs. These are my favorite flexible seating options:
3. Independent Tasks/Centers
Autistic students can become prompt/adult dependent, AND FAST. One great routine to implement is independent tasks or centers. This also frees up staff to help with small group instruction and data tracking. Ideas for independent tasks/centers are:
- Structured Work Systems
- Leisure/play center
- Listening center (books on CD or on epic! app)
- Boom Cards/learning websites
My structured work system visuals are from Simply Special Ed. You can find The Autism Helper’s task box system here.
4. Sensory Materials
Sensory materials and fidgets are another necessity in my autism classroom. I love to give my students movement breaks and fidgets while they are learning – because they need it! Giving my students breaks and tools to move, jump, kick, and catch help in so many ways such as:
- Coping with anxiety
- Calming
- Sensory input
- Reinforcing
Some of my favorite sensory tools/fidgets are:
5. Differentiated Curriculum
It’s no secret that special education teachers teach multiple grade levels. On top of that, our students are usually at all different levels academically. I love The Autism Helper Curriculum for these reasons. This curriculum is a whole year’s worth of curriculum and it’s all differentiated with so many subjects and levels to choose from. Plus, the curriculum includes pre and post-tests, embedded data sheets, separate data sheets, unit maps, anchor charts, and extra supplemental activities to help practice the skills being learned. What’s not to love?!
You can purchase the curriculum on Teachers Pay Teachers, the new Autism Helper Store, or sign up for TAH Curriculum Access!
Thank you for reading about my 5 must-haves for an autism classroom! What are your must-haves?
- Independent Centers: My Classroom Lifesaver - May 5, 2025
- Autism Acceptance Week: An Opportunity to Learn and Celebrate - April 7, 2025
- Three Types of Visual Supports - March 18, 2025
17 Responses
This is amazing! Your classroom is beautiful. Your students & families are so lucky to have you 🥰
These are wonderful ideas from a wonderful teacher! I love visual schedules as an SLP as well. It helps to make the school day more predictable and provides structure for our kiddos.
Thank you so much for your comment! I agree, visual schedules help in so many ways!
What a sweet comment, thank you! I feel lucky to have my students and their families!
Thank you! Much needed information. I’m a brand new teacher with children with extensive service needs K-3. The class hat I have taken over has absolutely nothing so I’m frantically doing research. I want my students to have what they need to feel comfortable and to make learning fun. Your quick guide was exactly what I needed!
So great to hear! Thank you for reading 🙂
Thank you Susan! So happy to hear.
If a special Ed teacher looks mean, pitch voice, firm and direct. Is this something to be concern about? Classroom was extremely well behaved and didn’t see much of this at other schools when I tour. Please help
Firm and direct language is often ideal for special education learners, many of whom have receptive language delays as well. That being said, you can be firm and direct without raising your voice unnecessarily and using a “mean” or menacing facial expression. I can’t give you specific advice but I hope that helps you decide!
I was just wondering what you do with the laundry baskets next to the desks?
That is for finished work tasks!
Hi Rachel! The baskets next to desks are for students’ personal items (backpacks, lunchboxes, sweaters, etc). The laundry basket at my task box center is for finished work tasks 🙂
A wonderful setting for children to learn, l am a Principal at a School in City of Narowal in Pakistan. I planning to start a class for autistic children. Presently I have six of them but they with the normal children. They also have some special time with specialist teachers. I wish to have full classroom like yours in the picture. I wonder if you could help in setting the classroom. My regards.
Hi Maffooz, great to hear! Check out episodes 28-34 of my podcast – the classroom setup series! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-autism-helper-podcast/id1443908794
I also have a professional development membership that may be a good fit for you! I provide ongoing training and consultation. Enrollment is open through tomorrow, September 19th: https://shop.theautismhelper.com/pages/membership
Absolutely beautiful and child friendly. Thank you for sharing.
Hello! What are your laundry baskets by the desks for?
Hi Joanna! Michelle uses the baskets next to desks for students’ personal items (backpacks, lunchboxes, sweaters, etc). The laundry basket at her task box center is for finished work tasks 🙂