Designing Classrooms for Students with ASD: Strategies That Benefit Every Learner

This webinar is free and open to the public.

“Many children with autism have difficulty when the classroom becomes noisy and confusing.” - Dr. Temple Grandin, autism expert (who has Autism herself)

Research shows that well-designed classroom environments positively impact student learning outcomes. With approximately one in 36 school-aged children identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), intentional classroom design is essential. From furniture and lighting, to visual supports and predictable routines, classroom design significantly impacts student engagement, focus, and behavior. In this webinar, participants will explore how intentional classroom design can create inclusive, structured, and sensory-supportive environments that empower all students to thrive academically and socially.

In this webinar you will:
-Identify key classroom design factors (layout, sensory stimuli, visual supports, routines) that influence learning and behavior for students with ASD
-Apply practical strategies to create sensory-friendly, structured, and supportive learning environments
-Implement classroom layouts and routines that reduce anxiety and increase student focus
-Use inclusive practices that foster participation, engagement, and success for students on the spectrum

Instructor:
Paulette Koss, Ed.D.,
Adjunct Instructor, Special Education, UMass Global School of Education