Deiera Bennett

Middle school can be challenging for any student, but for autistic students, the unique obstacles they face can make it even more difficult for them to stay motivated and engaged. Motivation isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept. . And what works for one autistic student might not work for another. This is why it’s important to be knowledgeable about different types of motivation and get to know your students to identify which strategies are most effective.

Historically, autism has been associated more with boys. In fact, nearly four boys receive an autism diagnosis for every one girl. While this number may suggest that boys are more likely to be autistic, the reality is that autistic girls are often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed with ADHD, depression, or anxiety instead of autism.

The first week of school can be exciting and overwhelming for students, especially autistic students and those with ADHD. Social and emotional learning (SEL) activities can set a positive tone for the school year and give students valuable tools they can use for emotional regulation, relationship-building, and more. These five SEL activities for the first week of school can be used any time during the school year. To access the lesson plans, click the title of each section.