If you are teaching in a school where you are the only autistic support classroom, chances are you are feeling pretty lonely out there. I would suggest establishing a good rapport with the custodians and the secretary at the school. They have been some of my biggest allies when trying to get things that were needed to support the students in my class. Maybe have your students make something for them to say thanks, etc.
Another idea might be to go to a teacher who is willing to estabilish a partnership in which the classes have a social (structured party) or a share a reading activity. For example, some of her/his students come over the list 20 minutes of school to do a paired reading activity with your students or your some of your students go to her.
Or if the school is really behind the times ask the pricipal if you can provide handout information about autism or speak for 15 mintues at the next staff meeting to discuss the characteristic of autism. This way you promote some awareness. (The Autism Accepance Book is great for this) If you have an ongoing 5 minute or so updates of autism information at each staff meeting, throughout the year, maybe this will help build a support team. If you could have a specific training for 1 hour or so, that might be even better.
Finally find the other autistic support teachers in your school system (Call the Special Educatio Office) and get their email address to build a support team.
I am a graduate student
I am a graduate student working on my master’s degree in childhood education and special education (grades 1-6). I am currently taking a class that is entirely based on autism. I think the ideas you have stated in this post are great! Teachers frequently do find it hard to get the help and resources they need to support students with autism in their classroom. Your post has provided teachers with a variety of ideas that will help them find support for students with autism. I agree that teachers need to establish partnerships with their coworkers. Other classroom teachers, special education teachers and the building principal are all professionals who can help support students with autism in the classroom. Allowing students from different classrooms to work together on special projects is a great idea to encourage students to improve their social skills. Furthermore, promoting autism awareness in schools is very important. All teachers need to be informed about autism. This is because most teachers will have contact with or even teach a student with autism during their career. When teachers support each other, their students benefit academically and socially.
I have learned a lot from the class I am currently taking on autism. Therefore, I would like to share with you a few ideas that I have learned. It is important for teachers who teach in inclusive classrooms to create a democratic classroom. Students should share ideas and make classroom rules. It is also necessary for students to always be actively involved in their own learning. In addition, teachers need to take time to reflect on their teaching. Reflection helps teachers to see what works and what does not work in their classroom. Finally, it is essential to establish school community based on acceptance. Teachers should teach students how to respect the differences of others. All of these ideas will ultimately help students with autism excel in an inclusive classroom environment.