I have the privilege of teaching in an Extensive Support Needs Autism Focus classroom, and it is, without question, the most meaningful work I have ever done.
What people often see first are the challenges, communication differences, sensory needs, or behaviors.
I see students who trust me. Students who show up exactly as they are, without pretense.
Who, despite navigating a world that is not designed for them, continue to try, to connect, and to grow.
I don’t take their trust lightly. It is something to be honored.
My students are gentle and kind. Even in moments that look like aggression, I know what’s underneath. It’s overwhelm, frustration, or a lack of access to communication. Behavior is communication. Always. And when we shift our perspective, everything changes.
Instead of asking, “How do we stop this?”
We start asking, “What is this student trying to tell us?”
That question alone changes how we teach.
One of the things I love most about this work is the constant problem-solving.
I love figuring out a student’s sensory needs, adjusting environments, and creating systems that actually work for real humans, not just ideal ones.
There is no one-size-fits-all here. Every student is different, and that means every success is intentional. We celebrate a lot of successes every year.
Sometimes it’s a small step that no one else would notice. A new way of engaging. A moment of eye contact. Or a choice made independently. Other times, it’s a sudden leap, the kind that takes your breath away. Big or small, it all matters.
One of my favorite things to watch is communication development.
Watching a student find their voice, whether through AAC, gestures, pointing, or verbal language, is awe inspiring. Because communication is independence. Communication is dignity. And really importantly, communication is connection. And every student deserves access to it.
I also deeply value the relationships I get to build, not just with my students, but with their families.
Getting to know the whole child, beyond the classroom, is something that is rare in many high school settings. It reminds me of when I worked in early education. It changes how we teach, how we support our students, and how we celebrate.
I love that I get to open doors for my students
I’m so happy that I get to give my students access to a curriculum like TeachTown. They are getting knowledge and experiences they have too often been excluded from. Our students are capable of far more than most people assume, and it is an honor to be part of proving that every day.
Advocacy is a part of my work too.
I represent my students in spaces where they are often misunderstood. I speak up when others underestimate them. I educate about sensory needs, about stimming, about behavior, about communication.
And maybe most importantly, I remind others of something that should be obvious, but too often isn’t:
My students are not defined by deficits. They are defined by their humanity, their strengths, and their potential.
Our classroom is full of joy and growth.
It is full of possibility.
Autism acceptance isn’t about lowering expectations or feeling sorry for students. It’s about recognizing competence, honoring differences, and creating environments where all students can succeed.
I don’t just teach my students. They have changed the way I see the world. And I wouldn’t trade that for anything.
Leave a Reply