Setting Up Classroom Spaces That Support Students with Autism

With even the best curricula and interventions, students with autism spectrum disorders will not learn unless the classroom environment is organized with their specific needs in mind. Setting Up Classroom Spaces That Support Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders shows through clear and brief text and lots of photos how to determine what type of furniture and materials to choose for various types of classrooms and how to arrange them in a way that creates an effective learning environment while reducing anxiety and preventing problem behaviors. It uses evidence-based practices of structure and visual supports to enhance the well-being and success of students. Examples are given for students across the age span with lots of lists and helpful resources, making it a must-have resource for every classroom. Foreword by Juane Heflin, PhD.

Susan Kabot, EdD, CCC-SLP, is the executive director of the Autism Institute at Nova Southeastern University, where she oversees the Baudhuin Preschool; Starting Right, a parent-child early intervention program for children 18-36 months; the Autism Consortium, which provides outreach services to school districts around the country; and the Unicorn Children’s Foundation Clinic. She also teaches autism courses at both the master’s and doctoral level at NSU and serves as a dissertation chair and member. Susan has been active at the local, state, and national level in a variety of organizations addressing the needs of individuals with autism, their families, and the professionals who serve them. She was appointed to the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council by former Florida Governor Crist and serves on the Health Care and Self-Advocacy Leadership Task Forces. She is also a member of the Panel of Professional Advisors for the Autism Society of America. With Christine Reeve, Susan is the co-author of several books, including Building Independence: How to Create and Use Structured Work Systems. Susan is the mother of three sons. Her middle son, Michael, has autism.

Christine E. Reeve, PhD, BCBA-D, has more than 20 years of professional experience working with children, families, and schools focused on autism, inspired by one sister with autism and another sister who teaches children with special needs. During her 13 years at Nova Southeastern University’s Mailman Segal Institute, she served in a variety of roles, including director of the therapeutic intervention program for children with significant behavioral issues and autism and consultant for the Autism Consortium, providing consultation and training to school systems across the country. Christine owns and directs a school consultation practice providing professional development and consultation to school systems concerning students with autism, low-incidence disabilities, and challenging behavior. Christine also serves as adjunct faculty and a dissertation advisor for Nova Southeastern University. Author and co-author of several books, including Setting up Classroom Environments That Support Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders, Christine maintains a blog regarding school-related information about autism spectrum disorders at Reeve Autism Consulting.