Step 4: My child is living with ASD-- what accommodations need to be made?

Work with your teachers, therapists and others to help set the foundation for success at school. Developing an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is key to this foundation.  

An IEP is a plan that explains the services and supports needed for your child to learn. An IEP:

• Sets achievement goals.
• Instructs how progress is measured.
• States where your child will be educated.
• Is reviewed at least once per year and updated as needed.

Request an IEP through your local school district (each district may have a different process). Your child may have several IEPs throughout the school years. Being involved in the IEP creation and measuring of goals is important for your child’s development. 

Classroom accommodations

To help children with ASD successfully complete schoolwork, a number of accommodations are essential in the classroom. These often include⁵:

• Structured schedule. Children with ASD—all across the spectrum—benefit greatly from having an established routine. A daily class schedule and outline of activities for the day is a must.
• Alternate media. Because ASD children often struggle with visual and auditory learning, having a number of different ways to relay information is important. Sometimes, tactile learning is also helpful.
• Sensory tools. Sensory tools, or fidgets, can help relieve stress and improve focus as children attempt to learn in a busy classroom environment.
• Quiet corner. With many distractions, loud noises, bright lights and activity in the classroom, children with ASD can benefit from having a quiet place to escape.
• Extra breaks. Without adequate breaks, a student may be prone to sensory overload. In addition to a 5-minute break every hour, extra breaks should be allowed as needed. 

One of the common traits of ASD is to have sensory issues. This can involve both hyper-sensitivities (over-responsiveness) and hypo-sensitivities (under-responsiveness) to: 

A common example is being hyper-sensitive to bright lights or lights with certain wavelengths (fluorescent lights).

Sensory issues are often treated via occupational therapy. Sensory activities may also be incorporated into an ABA plan if your child is receiving those services.  

Children with ASD commonly have gastrointestinal issues related to food. Ask your doctor or nutritionist if they have any recommendations for nutritional changes. If any changes are made, it’s important to work with them to be sure your child is getting all the necessary vitamins and minerals.   

You can support and enhance communication for your child—regardless of speech ability—with assistive technology. These tools include apps, tablets and other electronic devices and learning aids.   

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is a specific type of assistive technology that can benefit people with ASD of all ages. These tools help promote:

• Independence
• Expanding communication
• Increasing social interactions