Creating social opportunities for students with autism spectrum disorder in inclusive settings

Increasing numbers of students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are being included in general education settings. Learners with ASD can benefit from the general education curriculum, with some achieving at a high academic level. Yet, social communication and behavioral difficulties can present challenges to their successful inclusion. Instructional priorities for children with ASD include social communication interventions that teach children how to spontaneously initiate functional communication in academic and social contexts. This article describes evidence-based strategies that will help educators create opportunities for social interaction for students with ASD in the context of naturally occurring classroom activities and routines.