As a general guideline, when communicating with a student with autism, it is important to utilize concise and direct language; try to avoid using figurative language or sarcasm. If a behavior is observed that a faculty or staff member has questions or concerns about, it is recommended to first meet with the student 1:1 to talk about the observed behavior. This meeting should occur before or after class and/or during office hours if accessible. Please keep in mind that observed behaviors could be a general misinterpretation or a result of a specific manifestation of disability, so it is important to gain the student’s perspective and insight about the behavior prior to jumping to conclusions.
Communicating the behavioral expectations for your course in writing can be an effective strategy for making sure that all students understand appropriate conduct and any associated implications for breaching course conduct. It is important to speak with the student 1:1 to try and identify any root cause of a given behavior. From there, faculty and staff can work with the student collaboratively to develop a plan for remediating the observed behavior if deemed necessary and appropriate. During this process, it is encouraged to reach out to the student’s Disability Specialist for further suggestions regarding accessible communication and intervention strategies.