How to Teach Autistic Students the Way They Learn (Not Just the Curriculum)

Last week, we introduced the “Teach Me the Way I Learn So I Can” form. Parents, teachers, and therapists loved the idea—but many of you asked: “Okay, I filled it out… now what?”

That’s exactly what Susan (autistic retired Occupational Therapist) and I (Staci, Speech-Language Pathologist) are tackling in this week’s vlog. Because having the form is only step one. The real change happens when you know how to use it to adapt your teaching, build motivation, and remove barriers.

Why Strengths Come First

The “Teach Me the Way I Learn So I Can” form starts with strengths for a reason. Strengths are motivating. They’re the foundation for growth. Autistic students often shine with attention to detail, pattern recognition, or strong visual memory. Instead of fighting against these traits, you can use them to introduce new concepts and make curriculum goals meaningful.

Potential Strengths: Growth Waiting to Happen

Potential strengths are the next piece. These are areas where students want to learn but need support to succeed. That might mean providing visual step lists, assistive technology, or breaking down tasks into smaller chunks. When you support potential strengths instead of labeling them as weaknesses, students feel capable—and willing to keep trying.

Barriers and Triggers: Shifting the Mindset

The form also highlights barriers and triggers. Too often, these are treated as problems to “fix.” But barriers are simply roadblocks that call for support tools—like open-note tests for students with working memory differences. And triggers? Research shows desensitization doesn’t work for autistic students. Instead, we need to avoid, reduce, or prepare for them so students can learn without fear or trauma.

Why This Matters

When you use the “Teach Me the Way I Learn So I Can” form, you stop teaching to the curriculum and start teaching to the student. The payoff is big:

• Autistic students stay motivated because learning feels relevant.

• Teachers and therapists see growth instead of shutdowns.

• Parents witness more connection and less frustration.

Be sure to watch until the end of this week’s video—Susan shares exactly what to do when a student insists they “hate” a subject. You’ll see how to turn resistance into curiosity, and even confidence. 👇

👉Watch the full video below..