Use routine sensory exercises such as fidget toys, sensory bins, music & movement) in order to help children with self-regulation and maintaining focus.

To meet different sensory needs, provide a variety of seating options, like bean bags, wobble stools, or standing desks.

Give students an isolated area with sensory toys where they can calm down and compose themselves.

Use visuals or icons to show students their daily routines so they will be ready for transitions and feel less anxious.

Feelings charts help students identify and express their emotions. Use visuals and simple language to make them accessible.

Use charts and diagrams to help students layout information in their mind and make confusing concepts easier to understand.

Make personalized stories that show social situations and how students are expected to act.

Put students with experienced classmates who can show them how to behave appropriately in social settings and help them remember how to do so.

Organized role-play is a good way for students to practice and improve their social skills.

Use token boards or reward systems to boost and strengthen positive emotional reactions.

Incorporate short mindfulness exercises, such as deep breathing, guided imagery, or movement breaks, to improve focus and emotional control.

For targeted instruction, breakdown down difficult tasks into smaller, step-by-step parts.

Give students opportunities to participate in real-life situations, such going grocery shopping or taking public transportation.

Show students how to express what they need, want, and have the right to do.

Use structured curricula to teach tasks such as dressing, grooming, and cooking.

Use real-life examples and scenarios to teach how to budget and buy things.

Use guided practice and visuals to teach children how to use public transportation safely.

Give students voice-generating devices or apps for communicating so they can talk to the teacher and others.

Use visual, verbal, or physical prompts to teach and reinforce personal hygiene and proper grooming habits.

Help students keep track of time while making transitions by providing them visual timers, reminders, and planners.

Council for Exceptional Children. (2025b, June 10). HLP #19: Use assistive and instructional technologies [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxNDFpoKi7M

Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). (2025). The structure (4 domains/22 HLPs). High-Leverage Practices. https://highleveragepractices.org/structure-4-domains-22-hlps

High-Leverage and Evidence-Based Practices: a promising pair for all learners | Reading Rockets. (n.d.). Reading Rockets. https://www.readingrockets.org/topics/autism-spectrum-disorder/articles/high-leverage-and-evidence-based-practices-promising-pair