Best accommodations for students with autism

Let’s be honest: parenting is hard. The number of things a parent needs to think about and consider daily, or even hourly, regarding their children can be immense. Plus, consider how every child is unique with different skills and needs. Mastering the caretaker role for each child is difficult with those factors in mind. Parenting children that are not neurotypical can be even more of a challenge because classic parenting strategies may not apply. So how can parents cope when their child’s needs may require additional attention?

The word accommodate means “to make space.” When we use accommodations for someone, we make space for their needs. Using accommodations in the home for children with autism can be extremely helpful for children and parents. The right accommodations can keep children comfortable and at peace while helping parents more effectively manage their lives.

However, it is essential to remember that every child is unique. Therefore, not all accommodations will work effectively with every child. Just like adjusting expectations and strategies for parenting with neurotypical children, parents should plan to adjust accommodations for their child with autism to suit their child and the family’s needs.

Top sensory accommodations for students with autism

Sensory accommodations for school

Children with autism can be easily overwhelmed by sensory stimuli at home which can be amplified when they transition to the school setting. Schools and classroom teachers can make modifications to the school setting to better accommodate your child’s needs, just as you make accommodations for them at home. These tools can help your child focus in the classroom, become comfortable with their surroundings, and feel at peace with the changes in their daily lives.

Preferential seating

Sensory input and sensitivity to stimuli can make a child with autism become easily distracted in the classroom setting. Being intentional with seating arrangements can help mitigate distractions and help your child remain focused and calm. Depending on your child’s specific needs, the teacher may recommend having your child sit close to where they give instructions to help maintain your child’s attention. Their seat may need to be away from certain students that provide additional distractions or moved away from heating or cooling systems if they make too much noise.

Allow fidget toys

Stimming behavior is how a child with autism processes sensory input. Teachers allowing a fidget toy may help with this learning curve. Although it is important to remember, there is a fine line between a toy that helps your child process their environment and a toy that distracts other children. Work with your child’s teacher to find a toy that is an outlet for your child, but quiet enough so as to not disturb others.

Flexible seating

Classrooms that allow for flexible seating arrangements are great for children with sensory processing difficulties. Flexible seating could be standing desks, chairs that rock, or even a yoga ball. Collaborate with your teacher to find the best seating solution for your child to keep them focused, calm, and at peace.

Breaks

Providing children with scheduled learning breaks, or spontaneous breaks as needed, is crucial. Giving children breaks allows them to destress and regulate their emotions before continuing with another task.

Limit distractions

Teachers should be aware of the types of stimuli that might trigger your child. Noise-canceling headphones can help if your child is sensitive to extra noise. Information about these triggers can help their teacher accommodate them effectively.

Parent accommodations

In addition to all the sensory accommodations, communication with your child’s teacher is vital in creating a successful accommodation plan.

Sensory accommodations for home

Build a sensory room

Creating an area or room in your home dedicated to your child’s sensory needs can be really helpful.

Choose a calming color scheme

Consider decorating your home with muted colors to avoid overstimulation.

Be aware of excess noise

Consider options like carpet over hardwood floors and keep noise-canceling headphones handy for when your child becomes overstimulated.

Choose natural lighting

Utilize natural lighting in your home whenever possible to provide a calming environment.

Keep an organized space

Children with autism thrive on routine, and an organized environment can help minimize overstimulation.

Reduce unnecessary scents

Consider using low to no odor products for cleaning and be mindful of any triggers related to scents.

Top language accommodations for students with autism

Language accommodations for school

The goal of language accommodations in the classroom is to help your child grow in their communication skills to thrive alongside their neurotypical peers.

Limit sarcasm

Sarcasm can be confusing for a child with autism, making it essential to communicate clearly.

Directly explain figurative language

Children with autism benefit from direct explanations of figurative language used in speech.

Check-ins

Utilizing frequent check-ins can help the teacher assess how well your child is coping with different teaching techniques.

Provide notes

Providing students with written notes can support their learning by allowing them to follow along and refer back to discussions.

Verbal testing

Accommodating stressors like written expression can make assessments easier for your child when verbal testing is an option.

Voice-to-text

Voice-to-text software can help students express their knowledge without the added stress of writing.

Response time

Extending the time given to students for responses is beneficial, as it allows them to process information comfortably.

Language accommodations for home

Allow time for your child to process

Give your child the time they need to respond without feeling rushed.

Practice and model language with your child

Modeling appropriate responses can enhance communication skills for children with autism.

Top social or behavioral accommodations for students with autism

Social or behavioral accommodations for school

The goal is to make adjustments in the classroom so that your child can achieve success.

Positive reinforcements

Using positive reinforcement in the classroom encourages behaviors that we want to see repeated.

Student pairings

Teachers intentionally pair students to promote positive learning experiences.

De-escalation plans

Creating a plan for when your child becomes overwhelmed is crucial for a supportive classroom environment.

Unstructured times

Providing clear expectations during unstructured times is effective in reducing anxiety for children.

Teacher check-ins

Maintaining open communication with your child’s teacher allows for ongoing adjustments to accommodate their needs.

Social or behavioral accommodations for home

Explain changes in routine beforehand

Providing details about changes in routine helps prepare your child, reducing frustration.

Allow “stimming” or fidget toys

These behaviors help children process the world around them, so allow them in appropriate settings.

Positive reinforcements

Discuss positive behaviors rather than negatives can enhance cooperation.

Stopping a meltdown before it starts

Identify triggers and develop a calming strategy for when meltdowns begin.

Top executive functioning accommodations for students with autism

Executive functioning accommodations for school

Chunk assignments

Breaking down bigger tasks into smaller chunks can ease stress for students in the classroom.

Headphones

Noise-canceling headphones can help children remain focused and productive in class.

Extended times

Extended due dates and extended time on assessments can help reduce pressure on students.

Scheduling consistency

Keeping classroom routines consistent and providing fair warnings for changes helps students feel secure.

Access to resource rooms

Having access to a quieter space when needed can help students manage agitation.

Executive functioning accommodations for home

Keep to a schedule

Maintaining a consistent routine helps reduce meltdowns caused by unexpected changes.

Break up expectations into small pieces

Simplifying tasks into smaller steps can minimize overwhelm for your child.

Give warning before changing activities

Providing advance notice before transitions helps in easing changes for your child.

Common questions about accommodations for students with autism

Do these accommodations work for school?

Yes, children will need accommodations at school similar to what they use at home.

Who can help determine an accommodation plan for my child with autism?

An IEP team including school staff and parents will formalize accommodation plans for the child.

What if the accommodations do not seem to be helping?

Being flexible and open to trying different techniques is key to finding what works best for each individual child.

How do I help my child’s social journey?

Enhancing social skills involves direct practice and modeling with your child to help them develop friendships.