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MAKING SENSE OF AUTISM

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Why Gaining Attention Matters in the Classroom

Staci Neustadt

If you’re an educator working with autistic students, you’ve probably experienced this challenge:


🔹 You give an instruction, but the student doesn’t respond.

🔹 You repeat yourself—maybe a little louder—but still, no reaction.

🔹 You wonder if they’re ignoring you or just not listening.


Here’s the truth: It’s not about listening. It’s about processing.


Autistic students often have auditory processing differences, which means spoken instructions take longer to process. If teachers move too fast, talk too much, or rely only on verbal cues, autistic students can feel overwhelmed, anxious, or simply tune out.


Instead of viewing this as an attention problem, we need to change how we capture attention in a way that aligns with how autistic brains process information best.


That’s why we created a FREE handout: “3 Affirming Ways to Gain Student Attention.”



Watch Our Video for Even More Classroom Strategies!


These simple strategies are just the beginning! Susan (a retired OT with nearly 30 years of experience) breaks down even more practical strategies to support autistic students in the classroom.


💡 You’ll learn:

✔️ Why verbal instructions alone don’t work—and what to do instead

✔️ How to reduce anxiety by using feed-forward techniques

✔️ A simple visual cue system to support transitions and engagement


🔥 Plus, we share an exclusive bonus strategy you won’t want to miss!


🎥 Watch the full video here: 





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