Understanding Autism with Heather Cacioppo

Have you ever had a student with autism in your classroom and felt unsure of how to best support them? You’re not alone! In this episode, I sit down with special education teacher Heather Cacioppo to break down simple, evidence-based strategies to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment for students with autism.

We explore common misconceptions, how to recognize early signs, and what teachers can do to provide meaningful support—without overhauling their entire classroom routine. Whether it’s sensory-friendly accommodations or strategies to build social skills, you’ll walk away with practical tools to implement right away.

In this episode, we'll talk about... 

• The biggest myths about autism—and the truth behind them.
• How to create a sensory-friendly classroom without disrupting learning.
• Simple ways to support communication and social skills development.

Show Links

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