Not everyone learns in the same style, same pace, same atmosphere. Sometimes just getting face to face with a student..instaed of always standing..speaking from a distance..sometimes talking too loud...pay attention to room dynamics..lighting. For us, the environment was crucial to receptors. Improvise with fittness balls when you have an overactive-nontraditional desk sitter.

Work to the child's strengths. Be open to modifying lesson plans, don't focus on the extra work it takes. Behaviors generally result from needs not being met, not because the child has behavior problems. Understand working with one kid on the spectrum does not make one an expert. Every child is an individual, disabled or not. Work with advocates rather than fear them. Enough of this us against them thing. The child's needs are the bottom line. Watch for bullying and don't stand for it. Listen, ask questions and be open. Don't be afraid to standing up to administration when they won't let you do what the child needs you to do for his/her success. There are federal and state laws that are on the child's side, so know them to protect yourself and your students.

This is one I don't understand why a teacher should be told they should know. Every child is different and learns differently so if your teaching method isn't working why would you ask a child to change his learning habits why don't you the adult change your teaching habits. Isn't the goal to teach a child not to MAKE them learn.

Open communication between parents and teachers is very important. As stated above, it's possible the parent has dealt with a problem before and can offer suggestions. Work as a team to help the child/student.

Take notice of any possible triggers for behavior issues (ie- loud bell, slamming doors, toilets flushing) as it may help identify the problem and solution.

Be creative in offering choices and rewarding good behavior.

Treat any student as if he or she were your own child. Be patient, be nurturing, be firm, and be fair.

I think we can make the lives of everyone much simpler (the student with ASD, the teacher, the classmates) if we educate about autism. I have a friend with a son with aspergers who made a poster titled "about me". He has presented it to classmates, with the explanation that his mind works differently than others, and it seems that people understand him and receive him more after they have been informed. A great resource I've used with my own typical kids is called "How to talk to an Autistic Kid", written by a 13 year old boy with autism. Another great story that has inspired me to think this way was written by a blogger at MOM-NOS.blogspot.com, called "a Hair-dryer kid in a toaster-brained world". The link is here
http://momnos.blogspot.com/2010/03/on-being-hai...

I have been concerned with the fact that, although my son is mainstreamed there has been no acknowledgement of his challenges to the greater school body. So, for instance, if I had not informed the nurse, she would not know. There is no special instruction or information for substitute teachers, teachers of "specials" (i.e. gym, arts, library), even the school security guard. I'm working right now on coming up with a plan that would involved educating the school community about these things. I'd love to hear if you have any thoughts or advice (including pitfalls to avoid) in doing this sort of thing!