Susan Kabot & Christine E. Reeve 
Setting Up Classroom Spaces That Support Students With Autism 

With even the best curricula and interventions, students with autism spectrum disorders will not learn unless the classroom environment is organized with their specific needs in mind. Setting Up Classroom Spaces That Support Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders shows through clear and brief text and lots of photos how to determine what type of furniture and materials to choose for various types of classrooms and how to arrange them in a way that creates an effective learning environment while reducing anxiety and preventing problem behaviors. It uses evidence-based practices of structure and visual supports to enhance the well-being and success of students. Examples are given for students across the age span with lots of lists and helpful resources, making it a must-have resource for every classroom. Foreword by Juane Heflin, Ph D.

Table of Content

Foreword…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 1


Introduction: The Influence of the Physical Environment on Student Behavior……………………. 5

The Impact of the Characteristics of Autism and the Physical Environment……….. 7

Goals of Organizing the Physical Environment……………………………………………………… 9

What You Will Find in This Book………………………………………………………………………… 10


Chapter 1: The Elements of a Typical Classroom………………………………………………………….. 11

One-to-One Instruction Area………………………………………………………………………. 11

Small-Group Instruction Area……………………………………………………………………… 13

Independent Work Area…………………………………………………………………………….. 19

Full-Group Table Activities………………………………………………………………………….. 23

Full-Group Open Area………………………………………………………………………………… 25

Transition Area ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 26

Cool-Down or Sensory Area………………………………………………………………………… 30

Computer and Media Area…………………………………………………………………………. 32

Administration/Teacher Area………………………………………………………………………. 33

Summary………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 34


Chapter 2: Designing Areas of the Classroom………………………………………………………………. 35

Examples of Floor Plans With Corresponding Schedules………………………………… 39

Summary………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 46


Chapter 3: Organizing Classroom Materials…………………………………………………………………. 47

Classroom Supply Lists……………………………………………………………………………….. 48

Considerations When Choosing Materials……………………………………………………. 55

Considerations When Organizing Materials………………………………………………….. 55

Summary………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 58


Chapter 4: Using Visual Cues to Organize Classrooms for Effective Learning…………………….. 59

Visual Cues for Students…………………………………………………………………………….. 60

Visuals to Indicate Where to Sit……………………………………………………….. 60

Visuals to Indicate Where to Stand…………………………………………………… 62

Visuals to Indicate Where to Line Up………………………………………………… 63

Visuals to Indicate Where to Go Next……………………………………………….. 64

Visuals to Indicate What to Attend To……………………………………………….. 65

Labeling Shelves and Cabinets…………………………………………………………………….. 67

Visuals to Mark Available Versus Off-Limits Activities…………………………………….. 70

Summary………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 72


Chapter 5: Frequently Asked Questions……………………………………………………………………….. 73

Appendix………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 81

Instructional Resources – Books…………………………………………………………………. 82

Resources for Arranging the Physical Environment……………………………………….. 83

Resources for Visual Supports……………………………………………………………………. 84

About the author

Christine E. Reeve, Ph D, BCBA-D, has more than 20 years of professional experience working with children, families, and schools focused on autism, inspired by one sister with autism and another sister who teaches children with special needs. During her 13 years at Nova Southeastern University’s Mailman Segal Institute, she served in a variety of roles, including director of the therapeutic intervention program for children with significant behavioral issues and autism and consultant for the Autism Consortium, providing consultation and training to school systems across the country. Christine owns and directs a school consultation practice providing professional development and consultation to school systems concerning students with autism, low-incidence disabilities, and challenging behavior. Christine also serves as adjunct faculty and a dissertation advisor for Nova Southeastern University. Author and co-author of several books, including Setting up Classroom Environments That Support Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders, Christine maintains a blog regarding school-related information about autism spectrum disorders at Reeve Autism Consulting.