Inclusive Education Solutions

What makes us different?

Our Inclusive Education Solutions program is built on the same core values and principles that drive our entire organization.
Learn how our values shape our impact →

Inclusive education works best when the right supports are in place. Autism Included’s Inclusive Education Solutions program provides practical, autism-affirming support to help neurodivergent students meaningfully participate in classroom learning, social opportunities, and extracurricular activities.

Our Approach

Autism-Affirming Practice

Autism-affirming practice means:

• We do not attempt to suppress autistic traits that are not harmful.

• We do not use compliance-driven behavior systems.

• We do not expect eye contact, sitting still, or “indistinguishability from peers.”

• We recognize sensory differences as valid neurological experiences.

• We support regulation, not obedience.

• We presume competence.

• We are autistic-led and value lived experience.

• We understand that learning cannot happen when a child is not regulated.

All staff receive training in autism-affirming language acquisition, regulation support, and inclusive classroom design through Autism Included’s professional development program.

Therapeutic Integration Plans (TIPs)

Children who benefit from additional support receive a Therapeutic Integration Plan that is:

• Strengths-based

• Regulation-informed

• Collaborative

• Integrated into the classroom

Rather than isolating therapy goals, we design classroom routines, materials, and social structures that support communication, autonomy, and participation naturally throughout the day.  This prevents children from experiencing school as a series of fragmented “therapy sessions” separate from learning.

Speech-Language Therapy

Licensed Speech-Language Pathologists (CCC-SLPs) provide:

• Expressive and receptive language support

• Social communication development

• Narrative and literacy support

• Executive functioning scaffolds

• Gestalt language processing-informed practices

• AAC assessment and implementation
  
  

Our methods:

• We model language instead of demanding performance.

• We honor echolalia as meaningful communication.

• We do not force scripted social responses.

• We build authentic communication skills, not compliance behaviors.

Authentic communication is our goal, and we value all forms of communication.

Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC)

Communication is a human right.

We support:

• All forms of communicaiton, including robust high-tech AAC systems

• Core vocabulary-based language systems

• Partner modeling (aided language input)

• Classroom-wide AAC visibility

Devices are treated as full language systems — not behavior tools.

Staff are trained to:

• Model without pressure

• Avoid “test questions.”

• Expand language naturally

• Support autonomous communication

AAC users are fully integrated into academic and social instruction.

Occupational Therapy

Licensed Occupational Therapists support:

• Sensory processing and regulation

• Fine motor development

• Handwriting readiness

• Self-care and independence skills

• Classroom participation strategies

We do not use sensory input as a reward or behavior consequence. Instead, we design environments that proactively support nervous system safety and access.  OT support is embedded into daily routines whenever possible so children practice skills in authentic contexts.

Montessori-Integrated Academic Support (In Montessori Classrooms)

Licensed special educators 

Academic support within our program:

• Maintains high expectations

• Uses concrete Montessori materials

• Provides visual and executive functioning scaffolds

• Allows flexible demonstration of knowledge

• Supports alternative communication access

Children are not removed from academic rigor because they require support. We adapt the environment, not the expectation that every child can learn.

Regulation & Relational Support

We prioritize nervous system safety before academic performance.

Our classrooms include:

• Calm spaces

• Flexible seating

• Visual supports

• Predictable routines

• Co-regulation strategies

• Collaborative problem solving

We do not use clip charts, token economies, or public behavior systems. We interpret behavior as communication and respond with curiosity and skill-building.

Special Education & IEP Collaboration

For students with IEPs:

• We collaborate directly with district teams

• We attend and contribute to IEP meetings

• We implement accommodations and modifications

• We support progress monitoring

• We believe inclusion requires trained professionals and intentional design — not paraprofessional substitution alone.

Family Education & Advocacy

We provide:

• Autism-affirming parent workshops

• Advocacy education

• Neurodiversity-positive community events

• Support groups

• Resource navigation

Families are partners in decision-making, not passive recipients of services.

Staff Training & Professional Development

All staff receive ongoing training in:

• Autism-affirming language acquisition

• Regulation-based classroom design

• AAC implementation

• Trauma-informed practice

• Anti-ableist and anti-bias education

• Inclusive Montessori integration

Through APLUS Professional Development (a program of Autism Included), our staff participate in continuing education, reflective supervision, case consultation, and collaborative planning.

Inclusion requires expertise — and we invest in that expertise.