Who I Built This For

I built this course for the teacher who already knows the why of autism and wants the how. The one who has read the books, sat through the in-services, and still finds herself searching for what to actually do on Tuesday at 10:15 when the lesson is falling apart.

I built it for the therapist who wants a tighter, more deliberate toolkit — strategies she can pull off the shelf and use with confidence across a range of clients.

I built it for the parent who is tired of vague advice and wants concrete, specific moves that work at the kitchen table, in the car, at the grocery store, and at bedtime.

I built it for the paraprofessional, the aide, the substitute, the camp counselor, anyone who steps into the room with autistic individuals and wants to step in well.

If you recognize yourself in any of those descriptions, this course is for you.

What You'll Learn

8 Best Strategies is the practical companion to Understanding Autism. Where the foundation course gives you the conceptual depth, this one gives you the moves — eight specific strategies you can put to work immediately, no matter the setting.

By the end of this course, you'll be able to:

✓  Give autistic individuals the processing time they actually need, using the 6-Second Rule

✓  Reduce anxiety and resistance through First-Then sequencing and predictable structure

✓  Position yourself strategically to support focus, transitions, and connection

✓  Deliver instructions one at a time to prevent cognitive overload and build independence

✓  Communicate in concrete, literal language that lands the way you intend it to

✓  Manage transitions deliberately, with the warnings and supports that prevent meltdowns

✓  Use special interests as a bridge to engagement, learning, and social connection

✓  Build physical and sensory environments that support — rather than overwhelm — the people in them

What's Inside

Eight modules, one strategy each. Designed to stand alone or be taken in order. Most learners complete the course in about 45–50 minutes of total work.

Module 1: The 6-Second Rule

Processing Time and Communication

What processing time actually is, why six seconds is the threshold that matters, how to implement the rule without losing the room, and how to recognize when someone needs even more time than that.

Module 2: First-Then Sequencing

Providing Predictable Structure

The power of predictability, why First-Then language reduces anxiety, visual support strategies, effective implementation, and the common mistakes that undercut the strategy.

Module 3: The Power of Proximity

Strategic Physical Positioning

Why physical location matters more than people think. The optimal 3–5 foot range, effective positioning techniques, supporting transitions and focus, and reading individual proximity preferences.

Module 4: One Instruction at a Time

Preventing Cognitive Overload

Working memory limitations, breaking down complex tasks, the discipline of specific and concrete directions, building toward independence, and recognizing the early signs of overload before they escalate.

Module 5: Concrete, Literal Language

Communicating with Clarity

How literal processing shapes understanding, the trouble with idioms and sarcasm, concrete versus abstract language, replacing common confusing phrases, and teaching figurative language explicitly when the time is right.

Module 6: Predictable Transitions with Warnings

Managing Change and Reducing Anxiety

Why transitions are so difficult, the 5-minute and 2-minute warning framework, visual and auditory supports, handling unexpected transitions, and the consistency that makes the whole system work.

Module 7: Special Interest Integration

Leveraging Passion for Engagement

The real value of special interests, incorporating them across academic and social domains, creative connection strategies, building peer relationships through shared interests, and setting appropriate boundaries.

Module 8: Clear Physical and Sensory Boundaries

Creating Supportive Environments

Sensory processing differences, defining physical spaces, addressing auditory, visual, tactile, and movement needs, offering choice and flexibility, and building sensory profiles for the individuals in your care.