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Ways to Support Your Students’ Flexibility

Tips for supporting students with and without autism

Help students problem-solve.

When a student’s refusing to do a task or complete a request, uncover the root cause of the behavior and work with your student on a solution.

Teach flexibility explicitly during everyday lessons.

Example: “The bulb is burned out on the overhead projector. I’m going to be flexible and give you each your own worksheet instead.”

Support self-advocacy skills.

Show your students that it’s okay to advocate for the accommodations and modifications they need.

Use a high ratio of praise to corrections.

Students supported through positivity perform better than students who experience a steady stream of consequences and corrections.

Respect students who love routines.

If a student can maintain a favorite routine (as long as it isn’t harmful), she’ll be better equipped to handle changes in other areas.

Give them a heads-up before a change happens.

Let them know exactly what’s going to happen, and frame it as a great opportunity to “show how flexible we are.”

Build collaborative partnerships with students.

Treat your students as active partners in their education and offer more choices and options whenever possible.

Adapted from Unstuck & On Target!,
by Lynn Cannon, Lauren Kenworthy, Katie C. Alexander, Monica Adler Werner, & Laura Anthony.