What does a good teacher look like in an autistic setting?

Rosalie Markovics
Jan 18, 2016
3 min read

Updated: Aug 7

What daily qualities does a great teacher in autism display?

What daily qualities and actions does a teacher in autism display?

A good teacher in an autism setting will display qualities and carry out daily actions that show understanding, care, and empathy toward her students.

She/He knows that the basis of her teaching relies heavily on building a great relationship with her students. This should be reflected in the tone of the room, the transitions, the program, the staff communication, and her IEP for each student.

I have set out what I think are important actions and daily mindset of a great teacher below.

It is a good teacher's promise to her students:

A Teacher’s Promise To Her Students with Autism

I will:

Understand that changes are upsetting to you so I will need to focus on developing a great relationship with you when you come into my class.

Use a variety of schedules to help you understand what is happening throughout the day, based on your level of understanding.

Make sure the classroom setting will reflect the needs of autistic students.

Clarify the roles of the team daily by using schedules so each person knows what they are required to do.

Collect data and data analysis that is accurate and insightful as a team, and discuss our findings.

Meet frequently with the team to discuss observations and teaching strategies.

Use functional teaching strategies throughout the day to help you understand the relevance of what I am teaching.

Focus on language and social skills development so you will learn how to communicate your needs and wants, and have more success with your social skills.

Have individual behaviour plans and change them, as needed.

Address sensory issues throughout the day.

Make activities fun and engaging.

Be respectful and engaging in my manner.

Share your good moments with your parents.

Find out where your strengths, needs and entry points to learning are.

Remember that you may not have slept well, are not well or your

body is out of sync.(SPD) and decrease my expectations.

Recommended Resources for Teachers:

A Teacher’s Guide to Managing Autism in the Classroom

By Best-Selling Author and Special Needs Educator Richard Bass

Are you looking for a great resource to help you meet the needs of your students with autism and other special needs?

This guide will help you understand how to be more inclusive and provide an environment that is safe and shows awareness of their needs. It will help teachers in mainstream schools, as well.

Learn how to use evidence-based strategies to strengthen your teaching practice and relationships.

A Teacher’s Guide to Managing Autism in the Classroom will help teachers and administrators create an inclusive learning environment where every student feels safe, and supported.

The Autism Resource Manual

This highly practical resource book has been written for teachers in both primary and secondary settings who want realistic and achievable strategies to support students in a range of situations and minimize the possibility of disruptive challenges in the mainstream classroom.

Key features include:

Practical and achievable strategies
Real-life scenarios to problem-solving
Memorable mantras and quick quotes
Photocopiable and downloadable resource sheets
This book will be an invaluable tool for both primary
For more information about this book, read it here

Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The following range of topics are included:

support services
assistive technology
collaborating with parents
and intervention strategies
helping students with ASD interact with their peers and develop independence.

For more information here.

Setting Up Classroom Spaces That Support Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders

Setting up the classroom environment is extremely important to the students' specific needs.

Learn how to set up effective learning environments that reduce stress and potential problems. It also gives lists of supports to use within the room for different age groups

For more information about this book, go here.

Introducing "Social Stories for Kids with Autism"

This comprehensive guide will teach you how to create and use social stories to help your child with autism thrive in social situations

"Social Stories for Kids with Autism," teaches you