Autism Level 1 &
The Classroom
Information and Teaching Strategies for an Inclusive Secondary Learning Environment
Before we
dive in...
Watch this video of Ellie describing her experience of navigating teenage life with Level 1 Autism. Consider how you have viewed Autism Level 1, and whether your perception changes after hearing Ellie's story.
What Is Autism and Autism Level 1?
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that be found in children, teenagers and adults. Autism affects how someone communicates, interacts socially, perceives the world and regulates their emotions.
Students who live with Autism may have difficulties participating in class and social activities. As a teacher, providing adjustments and support in their educational journey will ensure they can thrive and achieve their best
Autism is categorised into 3 levels, with each level requiring increasing levels of support. Although we will be focusing on Autism Level 1 in this course, it is helpful to know what Autism Level 1 looks like compared to Levels 2 and 3. See this infographic from Rise Up For Autism
Remember, just because Autism Level 1 requires less intensive support to Levels 2 and 3, that doesn't neglect the dedication you as an educator must strive for when supporting your students with Autism Level 1.
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Want more strategies for the classroom?
Listen to this podcast, hosted by Nicole Torres and Libby Salle from Autism CRC, for more strategies for both primary and secondary that you can include in your inclusive classroom.
Click the headphones to get listening!
inclusionED Inclusive Classroom Podcast | Episode 4: Foundation practices for early career teachers
How to help a student in distress
As we've learned, a student with Autism Level 1 can experience severe distress or a meltdown from certain stimuli. This is a very stressful situation for the student, and can be stressful for teachers and other students. Following this de-escalation flow chart from Autism spectrum disorder and de-escalation strategies. A practical guide to positive behavioural intervention for children and young people can help you support the student in their time of need, and ensure theirs and everyone safety.
Now, time to start planning!
Below are 2 resources you can download and use in your classroom practice to ensure any students with Autism Level 1 feels supported, and so you feel comfy in creating an inclusive classroom!
Individual Learning Profile
This is a single-page, downloadable document (PDF or Word) that classroom teachers can fill out with the student (and their family) at the start of the year. It's not a traditional Individual Education Plan (IEP) which can be long and clinical. This is a strengths-based, practical "cheat sheet" for any staff member who interacts with the student. Click here to download.
Learning Enhancement Lesson Planning Checklist
This is a downloadable document (PDF or Word) that classroom teachers can fill out themselves during the lesson planning phase. It gets us to reflect on our teaching practices, and ask ourselves on questions on whether we have made the appropriate adjustments to for cater for students with Autism Level 1. Click here to download.
One last thing...
To test your understanding of everything you've look at in this Digital Learning Package, take this Exit Ticket Quiz. If there's anything you are unsure of, look back through the content and explore the additional resources provided. Click the icon below to start the quiz!
Rationale
This research summary outlines the evidence-based rationale for a Digital Learning Package (DLP) designed for NSW highschool teachers working with students on Level 1 of the Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (often referred to as autism or ASD) is the collective diagnosis term for multiple congenital neurodevelopmental conditions characterised by persistent social interaction and communication difficulties and restricted behavioural patterns (Australian Academy of Health & Medical Sciences, 2025).
When teachers demonstrate a willingness to understand, differentiate and accommodate autistic students, the result is a more positive classroom environment for all involved (Shields, 2017). The selection of information-rich, practical, classroom ready resources in this DLP is guided by evidence-based practices for supporting autistic students. The rationale for each resource is outlined below.
Resource 1: Video - Life as an autistic teen
This resources is designed to build teacher understanding and empathy by centring the voices of autistic teens. Research underscores the critical importance of including autistic students' perspectives to bridge the gap between inclusive education theory and classroom practice (Mullally et al., 2024).
Resource 2: Podcast : Autism CRC
This Autism CRC podcast focuses on inclusionED, a professional learning platform offering best practice and resources for teachers to support diverse learners. It sets up foundation practices for early career teachers and is hosted by experts from the Autism Cooperative Research Centre (https://www.autismcrc.com.au/news/podcast/s02-ep4-foundation-practice).
Podcasts are engaging vehicles for information, and serve as being helpful in self-directed learning (Engzell et al. 2025).
Resource 3 and 4: Infographics - ‘Levels of Autism’ and ‘What Autism Can Look Like in the Classroom’.
The infographics are designed to build teacher understanding by moving from a clinical framework to a classroom setting. By grouping traits into clear categories the teaching is provided with an observation, an understanding and an action. Infographics are effective tools in retaining and recalling information (Hughes et al., 2021) and will prove useful for experiences and prospective teachers alike.
Resource 5: Lesson Plan Check List:
This tool is more than a list of tasks to complete. For teachers of students with autism, it structures inclusive adjustments into everyday planning. This makes inclusive practice systematic rather than reactive or optional. The list is based on the Australian Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability which ensures compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 ()(https://www.nccd.edu.au/resources-and-tools/roles/teachers-13).
Resource 6 : De-escalation flowchart:
This resource equips teachers with tactics to respond calmly and effectively with supportive interventions. Effective behaviour management requires empathy, understanding and techniques to foster a calm inclusive classroom. (Brown, 2015)
Resource 7: Student-led individual learning profile
This resource empowers students and fosters the partnership between teacher and student. Research shows that incorporating the students' voice into their learning profile leads to stronger outcomes (Mullally et al., 2024).
Resource 8 : Kahoot Exit Ticket
Kahoot’s interactive game-based platform increases engagement and motivates participants in their own learning. Closing the DLP with a Kahoot exit ticket provides an immediate consolidation of understanding ensuring key information has been retained (Kahoot, 2017) https://kahoot.com/what-is-kahoot/
References
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Website
Rationale
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Brown, S. (2015). Autism spectrum disorder and de-escalation strategies: A practical guide to positive behavioural intervention for children and young people. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
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Hughes, A. J., McQuail, P., Keogh, P., & Synnott, K. (2021). Infographics Improve Comprehension and Recall at the Orthopaedic Journal Club. Journal of Surgical Education, 78(4), 1345–1349. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsurg.2020.10.012
Kahoot!. (2019, June 5). What is Kahoot!? https://kahoot.com/what-is-kahoot/
Mullally, S. L., Wood, A. E., Edwards, C. C., Connolly, S. E., Constable, H., Watson, S., Rodgers, J., Rose, K., & King, N. (n.d.). Autistic voice: Sharing autistic children's experiences and insights Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University.
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