Real Solutions for Real Classrooms: Supporting Students with Autism

Schools are supporting more students with autism than ever before, and educators need strategies that are practical and effective in real classrooms. This free, interactive virtual training provides real-world solutions to help school teams better understand behavior, support communication, increase peer engagement, and strengthen staff capacity to support students with autism.



Participants may attend the full day or select individual sessions that best fit their schedules. All registrants will receive recordings of the trainings, and those who join live will have the opportunity to ask questions and interact with the presenters. This training is sponsored by the Oklahoma State Department of Education.

Date and Time

Session Descriptions

9:00–10:00 | Why Students Do What They Do: Understanding the Function of Behavior

Participants will learn how to identify the function—or purpose—behind challenging behavior. This session will focus on recognizing patterns in behavior and using practical strategies to determine why behavior is occurring so teams can respond more effectively and reduce repeated challenges in the classroom.

10:15-11:15 | When Behavior Is Communication: Teaching Students What to Say Instead

Many challenging behaviors occur because students lack the skills to communicate their needs. This session will focus on practical strategies for teaching functional communication so students can appropriately request help, breaks, or attention while reducing challenging behavior.

11:30–12:30 | Peers as Partners: Using Peer Supports to Increase Engagement

Peers can be powerful supports in helping students with autism participate socially and academically. Participants will learn how to structure peer-mediated strategies that promote engagement, inclusion, and positive social interactions throughout the school day.

12:45-1:45 | Effective Strategies for Training Your Team

Want training that sticks? Learn how to use the Behavioral Skills Training (BST) model to build staff confidence, independence, and skill mastery. This interactive session gives you practical tools you can use immediately—modeling, role play, performance checklists, and effective feedback. Join us and elevate your team’s performance!

2:00-3:00 | Real Teachers, Real Strategies: Supporting Students with Autism in General Education

Learn what real teachers are doing to successfully support students with autism. This session highlights practical strategies, authentic insights, and everyday tools gathered directly from teacher interviews. Join us to bring these impactful inclusive practices into your own work!