This section of the website offers suggestions, guidelines and resources to aid in creating a classroom for students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

A Planning Checklist Outcome Form provides a beginning roadmap to the teacher.  Resources for each of the checkpoints on the list are provided throughout this site and can also be accessed by clicking specific items under Teacher Resources.
 

Developing a one page IEP at a Glance is a good starting point to aid in creating the physical environment.  This is a one page summary of the student’s IEP.  The IEP provides information on students’ needs, reinforcers, and motivators that can aid in room and material design as well as promote incorporation of IEP goals into the teaching process throughout the day.  See Watson Takes a Closer Look for a detailed description of uses for this document.

Many classrooms for students on the Autism Spectrum incorporate the use of independent workstations.  This concept was developed from the TEACCH model.  More specific information can be found at www.teacch.com.

The Watson Institute provides a book with pictures of materials that can be created and used in independent work stations called Jigs n Things. Pictures of independent stations can be seen by clicking: the independent stations powerpoint presentation  Other booklets about independent work materials can be ordered from www.TasksGalore.com .

Creating a classroom that is center based--with a variety of centers for students to access--can provide an organized and flowing learning environment that promotes continual student engagement.   A list of items that can be placed into reading, math, science, sensory, and writing centers can be found by clicking Center Materials.  Pictures and descriptions of possible centers found in classrooms can be seen by clicking center powerpoint presentation.  Look for Watson’s Center Samples for Secondary Students with Special Needs in 2007.

When creating a classroom, a visual of the environment can be helpful.  Drawing the layout can assist in set up design.  The  Classroom Layout schemata provides a simple example.   A Material Chart can provide teachers with general materials to purchase when creating a classroom.  In addition, a list of resources with Company Addresses that other Autistic Support teachers have found helpful is provided.  Once the environment has been designed teachers need to create schedules for students and for the adults running the classroom.  The student with Autism Spectrum Disorder can better navigate his/her environment when a schedule is available to access.  Schedules can come in many formats and should be individualized for each student.  Sample pictures of schedules can be found under schedules powerpoint presentation.  Creating a classroom that can flow easily for adults and students, requires a carefully scheduled day.  Watson provides a variety of templates for scheduling students and adults throughout the day.  These can be found under Teacher Resources/Lesson Plans. A good classroom serving students with Autism Spectrum Disorders requires documentation of progress.  A variety of data forms can be located under Teacher Resources/Data Sheets. 

As teachers begin their new classroom, they can continually assess their components and practices with The Yearly Outcome Form. 

If you have any questions regarding the forms or other resources, please email Training & Consultation.

In addition, Watson offers Training & Consultation services as well as TEACCH training.