Classroom accommodations and ideas to aid students on the spectrum in learning, play, assessment, and safety.
Fluorescent lights can be overstimulating and headache inducing.
Aheroi 8 Pcs Magnetic Light Covers 4x2 Feet
You should already have a calm down area with sensory tools in your classroom, but I like providing sensory tools in centers so my students on the spectrum can be engaged amongst peers.
hand2mind Changing Seasons Sensory Tubes
This company has a 12 pc animal set of cushions. Encourage sitting and sitting for longer periods of time with soft, and fun, assigned seating.
Suzile 12 Pcs 12'' Classroom Floor Cushions
Great seat for students with hyperactivity or who may need to stim by rocking/shifting.
Wobble Cushion | Wiggle Seat| Best Deals Online in U.S - Trideer
I would stick these sensory strips at assigned places at the lunch table and name plates on the carpet.
Collections - Calm Strips
These phones are great for students who vocally stim. These phones encourage soft, whisper voices.
Phoneme Phone - hand2mind
Communication visuals are a must have. They work for all preschool students, especially benefitting students on the spectrum.
Behavior Keyring Lanyard - ABA Therapy
I used specific colored tapes in my classroom to visually flow my classroom. My students knew where their centers were bordered and knew which line-up lines were which.
Colored Masking Tape
Preschool classrooms are already mandated to have eye-level visual schedules. I like this one for its large print illustrations.
Auchq Daily Schedule Pocket Chart for Kids
Helpful for all emergent readers. Can also be very helpful for nonverbal students to communicate knowledge of words.
Talking Flash Cards for Kids - 240 Words
I utilized my emotion mirrors in many social-emotional lessons.
See My Feelings Mirror, Single Mirror - hand2mind
Great for assemblies, traveling in noisy hallways, or rowdy large group activities.
Kids Noise Cancelling Headphones
Reduce stimulants with these indigo color therapy glasses.
Indigo Color Therapy Mood Glasses by GloFX
Utilize kits and activities that allow nonverbal assessments of knowledge.
Wiznobliss 3 in 1 Sorting Toys for Toddlers
Wooden mazes are great for centers, engagement, and nonverbal assessments of knowledge.
Magnetic Alphabet Maze Montessori Toy
I made task boxes in my classroom from mesh pouches and plastic pencil cases. Simply create little activities and place them in the different pouches/cases. Great for students who need to be engaged during transition or nonstructured times.
Sooez 20 Pack Mesh Zipper Pouch Bags, A4
Visual timer for students to understand "how much longer?"
Yunbaoit Visual Analog Countdown Timer
Teaching the alphabet with ASL is found to help all students learn the alphabet better.
YIYDONG 36 ASL Alphabet Posters
Some students on the spectrum can become upset when they get their clothes dirty. I would use smocks for messy art projects as well as lunchtime.
