New kid

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New kid
By Julianne

You don't say how severe your students' autism is. I have only worked with students that have mild symptoms. So feel free to ignore any of this that doesn't pertain!

You could start by having a photo of each student on
your bulletin board along with their names and maybe something interesting about them. This can allow the students to visualize themselves as part of the larger group.
On the first day with your new student you might want to stick to your normal routine and keep the newcomer beside you as much as possible. Let the old students explain what the next step in your day will be. This way

they are verbalizing near the new student in a non-threatening way. The new student gets the information he needs, but doesn't have to interact until he is ready.

You can use music and favorite games to include the new student. If the older students are occupied with listening and moving to music or playing a game they love, they may be more willing to include someone different. The game or music becomes the center of attention rather than the new student.

I hope there's something here you can use. I usually had only one or two special ed. students in a kindergarten class of 20, so I don't have lots of experience in this. But as no one else was posting I thought I'd give it a shot! Good luck.