Autism Lesson Plans

Help your class understand Autism. They conduct research into how the brain is effected by the disorder of autism. Then they write a letter to the Center For Disease Control about their findings and forward some of the new research to them.

Explore Autism by watching the CNN presentation: Autism is a World. Upper graders view and discuss the documentary  identify the symptoms and characteristics of autism, research treatment options, and create an informational brochure.

While this is not a lesson it may be helpful in making classroom choices. Here are a list of iPad apps that can be purchased for very little money and used to increase social, sensory, play, self-help, matching, and literacy skills in Autistic children. Use these as a way to warm up or settle down after a lesson. These would also be great suggestions for care providers to use at home to support student learning needs.

Students identify the  basic function of the lobes in the brain.  In this memory lesson students complete a lab activity on how fast they can react. 

Investigate autism and breakthroughs in autism research. The class prepares and presents information about these topics at a mini-conference in the classroom. Then they write formal letters of request in support of increased funding for autism research. There are tons of extension activities included.

Students investigate Autism. In this Autism lesson plan, students watch the DVD, "Private Worlds: Kids and Autism" and construct at KWL chart. Students discuss how Autism impacts families and their community.

Here are a variety of lessons geared for young children with Autism. There are 12 short activities intended to build attention, imitation, communication, independent living, social, motor, and literacy skills. Each skill is geared toward increasing interaction and attention. Good ways to supplement a full day.

Have your class inquire about learning disabilities by identifying their own capabilities. They discuss their interests and hobbies and identify that not everyone has the same skill set now or anytime in the future. They listen as the teacher reads a book which discusses autism and human understanding.

Students conduct research into the area of Autism Spectrum Disorders. They use the internet and a variety of resources in order to obtain information. Students use the information to take part in a writing project of authoring a new chapter of a book about Autism.

Students analyze two individuals with autism. In this language arts instructional activity, students read two stories about kids with autism and discuss how advocates have helped people with disabilities. Students compare and contrast the main characters in each story.