Supporting students with autism and diverse support needs is deeply meaningful work, but it can also be complex and demanding. Educators working in specialized classrooms often encounter students whose behaviors communicate unmet needs, sensory challenges, or difficulties with regulation and communication.
This session focuses on understanding that many student behaviors are forms of communication. When educators shift from simply managing behaviors to understanding what a student may be communicating, it can transform how teams respond and support student needs.
Drawing from their experience working together in autism and life skills classrooms within the SOAR program, a teacher and paraprofessional team will share practical strategies for building strong classroom collaboration and creating consistent, supportive environments.
The session will also explore how predictable classroom systems and meaningful choices can support student autonomy, independence, and self-advocacy.
Participants will leave with practical strategies for strengthening teamwork and creating environments where students feel understood, supported, and empowered to learn.
