Unlocking Autism
The rate of children born with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has risen to 1 in 88, up from 1 in 110. As a result of the increase, schools are enrolling more students with ASD, and many principals and teachers feel inadequately prepared to provide an effective and inclusive education to these students. These resources, including the Unlocking Autism series from Principal magazine in 2011-12, are designed to help supply you with tools and information to meet the special needs of this student population.
NAESP Resources for Principals
- A Guide to Making the Autism Puzzle Fit by Sheila Wagner
Students with autism spectrum disorder can succeed in schools when principals set the standard for training, tolerance, and support.
- An Inclusionary Model of Support by Darren Schlepp
A Montana elementary school creates a bridge of support for students with autism.
- What Parents Want Principals to Know About Autism by Melanie Bloom
A parent-teacher explains why students with autism must be treated as individuals.
- Positive Behavior Supports for Students With Autism by Janet Fisher
Find out the needs of students with autism to keep them in class and out of the principal’s office.
- Finding a Voice by Shannon Stuart
Inexpensive mobile technology is helping students with autism spectrum disorder to communicate and learn.
- Ten to Teen: Open Doors for Autism by Betty Berger
Successful inclusion relies on preparing before the child arrives at school.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Legal Update by Perry A. Zirkel
ASD is a legally hot topic for elementary principals.
- It’s the Law: Autism Spectrum Disorders by Perry A. Zirkel
Examines a sampling of the eligibility, methodology, and related legal issues under federal law.
- Inclusive Programs for Students With Autism by Belinda W. Crisman
Although autism varies from one child to another, this inclusion program works for all.
- Understanding Autism: Books for Students by Meredith Barnett
Suggested books to serve as conversation starters for classrooms and families.
- Report to Parents: Helping Children Understand Autism
This one-page gem can be photocopied and sent home to parents.
General Resources
- Autism Speaks
Provides a listing of family services, including information for parents about diagnosis and early intervention.
- Autism Society
Reports the latest information on treatment, education, research, and advocacy.
- National Autism Center
Offers reliable information and best practices for educating students with autism and offers comprehensive resources for families, practitioners, and communities.
- Educating Children With Autism
This book, from the National Academy of Sciences’ Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education, covers effects and features of educational interventions for young children with autism and is available online.
- Autism4teachers.com
Find materials and information to help students with autism, ranging from communication to classroom structure and from behavior support to assistive technology.
- Association for Positive Behavior Supports
Describes how positive behavior support is being implemented in different communities and includes information about developmental disabilities and emotional and behavioral disorders.
- Future Horizons
Books, videos, and conferences are available on the website, which aims to meet the needs of teachers, therapists, and family members who face the challenge of autism.
- Idea Partnership ASD Collection
A comprehensive collection of materials and resources to promote understanding of ASD, including supports and interventions, programming, and a resource guide.