Autism in the Classroom: Early Signs, Co-occurring Needs, and Partnering with Families

Build a practical, current foundation for teaching autistic students: what autism looks like in the classroom, how to notice and describe early signs, how autism overlaps with other needs, and how to partner with families from the first conversation.

Why this course

About 1 in 31 eight-year-olds in the United States has been identified with autism, so nearly every teacher teaches autistic students, and many of those students have not been identified yet. Teachers are often the first adults to notice a pattern, and what you notice and how you describe it shapes what happens next.

Each module includes a narrated video, short readings, classroom scenarios and practice activities.

What you will be able to do

• Describe the two core areas of autism in plain language and explain how a medical diagnosis differs from special education eligibility.
• Recognize early signs of autism at different ages and write clear, observable notes to share with your school team.
• Identify common co-occurring needs, such as ADHD, anxiety and sensory differences, and choose classroom supports for the whole student.
• Explain why some groups of students are identified late or missed, and use fair, consistent practices when raising concerns.
• Use a respectful, structured approach to share observations with families and plan next steps together.

Course modules

1. What Teachers Need to Know About Autism
2. Noticing Early Signs in Your Classroom
3. When It’s Autism and Something Else
4. Equity in Identification
5. Sharing Results with Families

Then a final assessment: 80% to pass, unlimited retakes.

Try it first. Watch the free 9-minute Module 1 video: what autism can look like in a school day, the latest CDC numbers, why a diagnosis and an IEP are not the same, and affirming, strengths-based teaching. Preview Module 1 →

Who it’s for

Classroom teachers (PreK–12), special educators, paraprofessionals, educational diagnosticians, counselors and administrators who want a practical, current understanding of autism in schools.

CE hours and certificate

3.0 professional development hours, online and self-paced. Your certificate lists the course title, completion date, hours and presenter, and is available the moment you pass. Educators are responsible for confirming that this course meets the requirements of their state education agency, school district or certifying organization.

IBCCES certification holders: this course is focused on autism and covers early identification, co-occurring conditions and parent communication. Keep your certificate with your renewal records; IBCCES decides which hours it accepts.

Your instructor: Jaime Flowers, Ph.D., NCSP, LEP, BCBA, school psychologist and board-certified behavior analyst. Her full bio is under About this CE.