For researchers, autism has been and still is one of the most fascinating developmental conditions. Even though it’s probably the most prolifically studied disorder, a big part of it remains a mystery that contemplates in scientists’ minds. And, while we may not know what causes autism and how to prevent it, some studies give us insight into how to adapt our environment to fit the educational needs of ASD students. Autism classroom set up is a good example of such a technique that we’re going to discuss today.
There’s a growing consensus among experts that educating students with autism in specially designed classrooms improve their academic performance and social skills. But, how can teachers and homeschooling parents create a classroom suitable for students on the autism spectrum?
There are many things to be considered, which is why we decided to write a short guide with plenty of resources on how everyone can make the classroom or the educational corner of the house more autism-friendly. We understand that you might not be able to implement all the aspects of an autism-supportive classroom, but we encourage you to keep reading because even little changes can have a great effect!
What Does Autism Classroom Set Up Actually Means?
First things first – what do we mean when we say an autism classroom? To avoid confusion, here’s what you should know.
In our previous articles about autism (see: Teaching Math to Students with Autism, Celebrate World Autism Awareness Day With These 7 Activities), we’ve mentioned some characteristics that are typically seen in kids and adults with autism. While every individual is different, there are things that most autistic students have in common. Visit the linked articles to find out more.
Based on these characteristics, there are elements in a mainstream classroom that negatively impact students with autism. For instance, they might be distracted by the direct sunlight shining through the large windows, the far-away school board, and the dominantly oral transfer of knowledge. However, probably the biggest challenge for students with autism is the constant change of activities and classes while the environment stays the same.
Knowing this, researchers have come up with guidelines on how a classroom should look like and function in order to maximize the positive experience of people with autism. Basically, an autism classroom set-up means organizing the physical layout, the materials, and the educational resources in a way that benefits students with autism.
In one study (Mcallister & Maguire, 2012) author and artist Donna Williams, who’s diagnosed with ASD, described her optimal environment as a room with no echo, with soft light projecting upwards, with a physical layout based on cognitive distinctions between sections, and no clutter.
This description wonderfully sums up the changes and elements that one needs to consider when creating an autism classroom set up. We’ll talk about all of these considerations in our next sections, but before we do that, let’s talk about the benefits of having a supportive classroom for autism.
Benefits of an Autism Spectrum Disorder Classroom
Supportive classrooms provide just the right conditions so students with autism can realize their full potential. Here’s how:
- Increased Sensory Comfort. By rearranging the seating positions, using soft lights, making sure there’s no echo, no bells running, etc, students will feel more comfortable. Their senses won’t be overstimulated, which means they’ll be able to fully concentrate and focus on the task at hand. Additionally, by increasing their sensory comfort, they’ll be able to ignore background noises and shift their attention toward the task or the person speaking.
- Positive Emotional Response (mood). All that we’ve mentioned above will no doubt affect their emotional response, too. If students are overstimulated, they’ll be frustrated and react negatively. Just like you would be after a while if there was a constant buzzing sound that you can’t ignore. Supportive classrooms for autism reduce those sensations which indirectly help students be in a better mood. They also directly affect the students’ mood by making them feel safer in a structured and familiar environment.
- Improved Classroom Performance. Being comfortable and having stimulative resources that work well with the students’ educational needs significantly impacts academic performance. Students will learn how to be more independent, finish tasks on their own, and focus on mastering skills in the areas that they’re most interested in.
- Improved Social Skills. Finally, another important benefit that arises from having an autism classroom set up is the improvement in students’ social skills. With the specially designed toys and materials for students with autism, kids will not only be able to work on social skills on their own, but they’ll also have a chance to work in a group with other classmates.
If you’re wondering what’s so special in supportive classrooms, keep reading! In the next paragraph, we’ll get into the details of what an autism classroom looks like.
How to Set Up an Autism Classroom?
We’ve already touched upon some of the elements that need to be adjusted, such as lightning, to make the room more comfortable for students with autism. However, knowing what needs to be changed and knowing how to change that is not the same. Below, we’ll discuss each element in detail and share practical examples that illustrate how one begins making an autism classroom set up.
Physical Space Layout
The first major distinction between mainstream classrooms that we see in public schools and a supporting autism classroom is the physical space layout.
In a regular classroom, we typically see a big school board attached on the main wall. There are usually a dozen of small, wooden desks with attached chairs facing toward that board. The desks are arranged in rows – one close to another, so there’s space for a lot of students. The teacher’s desk is usually in front of the board and facing toward the students. Along the walls there are always some posters, rules, diagrams, etc.
All the classrooms in regular educational institutions look the same, which means all the classes are being held in the same or similar physical environment.
Unlike mainstream classrooms, a supportive classroom for students with autism is usually a very big space with strictly defined work areas. Just by looking at the room, you should be able to identify where students do their writing assignments, where they learn through play, where they work with their hands, where they read, where they rest, and so on. In addition, the ideal autism classroom set-up should look clean. The walls should be empty, the toys and all the other educational materials should be out of sight, the sitting arrangement should be individualized or in very small groups (one to three students). If the seating arrangement is individualized, then it’s best to have a room divider between each child, so they don’t distract each other. The room should have no echo, the light should be soft and directed upwards toward the ceiling. Finally, avoid bells or other sudden noises that signal the start or finish of an activity. Instead, use warning words.
Dividing the Physical Space
The first thing we’ve mentioned in the description above is the clearly defined work areas within the classroom. This is the hallmark of most autism classrooms because the physical space itself is completely intuitive and helps them to emerge in the activity at hand. For example, if it’s a reading area, there are usually bookshelves with a lot of books and a comfortable chair or a bean bag. If it’s an art and crafts area, then there’s a shorter, yet wider table with blocks, brushes, paints, etc.
The second reason why dividing the physical space helps students with autism is minimizing distractions. Each student has a personal space where they work, separated from other students. They can’t see what’s in front of them or what others are doing from the sides.
Functional Areas
There are thousands of ways you can organize the separate work areas. This may depend on the students’ grade, their current classes, work responsibilities, or your resources. Usually, there’s a reading area, seat-work (writing) area, computer area, sensory area, area for playing, etc. Another way to organize the room would be to make a small space for lecturing, a science area, an arts and crafts area, a sports area, etc.
While there are no strict guidelines on what areas you must include – mostly because every student is different and educational programs differ – keep in mind that aside from the learning space, you should always include a calm down area and a separate room for the teachers’ stuff.
Calm Down Area
A calm down area is where students who get too excited, nervous, or frustrated go to take a deep breath and calm down before they can continue with the scheduled activities.
To create a calm down area, choose a corner that’s a little bit hidden away, or at least not in the direct eyesight of students. There should be furniture so students can sit or lie down. A big bean bag or a small sofa would be amazing, but you can also place a soft blanket on the ground with a bunch of pillows.
Some teachers like to place a small desk and give students mindfulness and reflection exercises.
Staff Room
While not directly related to students, a separate staff room or a staff area is really important. In a regular classroom, the teachers’ desk is right in front of the students’ desk, which might be a distraction. After all, teachers have a lot of stuff, resources, materials, and other personal things that are best to be stored out of students’ sight.
Sometimes in classrooms for students with autism, there’s a teacher present, a special needs educator or therapist, or even parents when they need to work on a skill together with their kids. Leaving their personal belongings and mobile phones in the classrooms will create clutter and noise that might upset the students. It’s important to consider these things when setting up an autism classroom.
Visual Guides and Furniture
Finally, the last consideration when it comes to the arrangement of the physical space is using visual guides, furniture, and sensory signals to separate the space or to make it more unique.
Some examples of visual guides include using different textures and color-carpets in different work areas; using arrows or foot floor stickers that guide students toward each work area; using floor stickers to mark each students’ place; using floor cushions or mats in some areas; etc.
Sensory Stimulation Considerations
Most students with autism are easily distracted because they’re more sensitive to sensory stimuli. This is why experts recommend for teachers to implement sensory products while teaching and in the classroom to engage students and make them feel more comfortable.
Sensory resources are designed to engage the senses – touch, smell, sight, taste, hearing, movement, balance – and aid brain development, while at the same time relax the person and help them overcome fears.
Some of these resources include activity mats, ball chairs, Aura LED projectors, chew toys, beanless bag chairs, floor pillows or pads, slimes, fidget spinners, and so on.
Autism Learning Resources
No classroom is ready until the room is filled with educational resources that have the power to improve the academic performance and social skills of students with autism.
Educational resources usually include specially designed books, video materials, computer programs, curriculums, lesson plans, worksheets and other printables, toys, cads, etc.
When it comes to lesson plans, curriculums, and worksheet packs, we might help! Visit our website and browse through our growing library of teaching resources to see whether you can find something for your next unit!
Easy Quick Tips for Autism Classroom Set-up
- Place schedule boards and calendars at the entrance. Students with autism work much better when they have a strict schedule to follow, especially one that they’re familiar and comfortable with. This is why placing big boards with rules and schedules for the next week or month is a great reminder for them on what they should expect every time they enter the classroom.
- Remove clutter! Make sure to keep the classroom tidy and clean. Every resource, toy, or material that’s not in use should be hidden away or tucked in a box – away from the students’ eyesight.
- If you don’t have bookshelves to divide the room, don’t worry! There are cheaper and easier alternatives. You can easily divide the space by hanging up a cloth or buying a cheap room divider on Amazon.
- You can use tape to delineate a separate portion of a desk space on which students work together. This way they’ll have a personal space while working together on the same desk.
- If you don’t have a discrete corner for a calm down area, you can create one from an extra-large cardboard box! Simply cut out an entrance on one side of the box and place pillows and a blanket inside! Students will surely feel safe and warm while taking a break after being overwhelmed.
Before You Leave
There’s so much more we could talk about autism and educational needs, but we’ll touch upon the other aspects of the condition in some future articles. For now, we hope that you get a clearer idea of how to set up a supportive autism classroom.
Out of everything we’ve covered, the most important thing to remember is that this is a process which you can take slowly. You can start with the changes that are affordable or easily achievable by you, then gradually improve.
On our main website and the worksheets section, you can find high-quality, interactive worksheet bundles and printables that will be a nice addition to your teaching resource collection.
Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter and visit our blog where we regularly write insightful, must-read guides for all teachers and homeschooling parents.
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