Supporting Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders in Inclusive Settings

Abstract

With ongoing collaboration among general education teachers, special education teachers, related services professionals, and parents, students with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) can receive a quality education alongside their typically developing peers. This article provides strategies to promote the successful inclusion of students with ASDs in general education classrooms. The suggestions provided are categorized by preventive, supportive, and corrective strategies and techniques. These strategies can provide general education teachers with a set of tools that enable them to be proactive in preventing behavior, academic, and social problems; enhance instruction and enable students to reach their full potential; and address problems if and when they do arise. Special emphasis is given to strategies to increase active engagement in instructional activities.