Adapt and Thrive: Strategies for Inclusive and Special Education is a compassionate, evidence-based guide for teachers, special educators, and caregivers supporting children with autism and sensory or behavioral challenges. Tara Cosco provides educators and caregivers with strategies to help each child flourish with dignity, joy, and confidence. Success begins with building strong relationships, understanding students’ strengths, interests, and what brings them joy. You’ll learn ways to determine the cause of challenging behaviors, then respond with motivation, engagement, and personalized support. Sensory needs are treated as essential, not optional: the book guides you in integrating movement and using visual and tactile tools so students feel safe, regulated, and understood. Emotional regulation is also central: with strategies like Zones of Regulation and restorative practices, the goal is equipping students with self-awareness and empathy rather than enforcing compliance.
Because every learner is unique in pace, style, level, and readiness,
Adapt and Thrive offers flexible strategies. It emphasizes early intervention, providing communication tools, sensory accommodations, and emotional regulation strategies early to help prevent frustration, isolation, and shame. Practical, classroom-tested tools are woven throughout: reward charts, visuals, regulation strategies, and restorative conversation templates. Written with warmth, humility, and respect, this book celebrates the inherent worth and beauty of every child. If you want to build inclusive, compassionate classrooms where every learner is known, valued, and supported, this book will guide your way.
Adapt and Thrive can be adopted in a variety of classroom courses, including:
- Selected Topics in Special Education
- Advanced Studies in Special Education
- Policies and Procedures in Special Education
- Collaboration and Consultation in Special Education
- Advanced Assessment in Special Education
- Student Teaching in Special Education
- Instructional Strategies for Teaching Students with Disabilities
- Educational Planning for Exceptional Students
- Critical Issues in Education
Dr. Tara Cosco is an associate education professor and M.Ed. in Instruction Program Coordinator for Augusta University. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education, a Master of Arts degree in Special Education, and a Doctoral degree in Online Learning and Technology. Tara began her career teaching elementary special education. She has taught in private and public schools, as well as in higher education. Tara’s research interests are special education, technology, and leadership.
