By Jeremy Brown

What is an inclusive classroom, and what should it include for your autistic child?

“We have a wide variety of seating, so students can choose how they learn.” This was a statement I wasn’t expecting to hear when I met my son’s teacher. I grew up when all the desks were the same, and students were expected to sit quietly and follow along with the teacher’s lesson.

But when my son was in second grade, I realized that education was much different than when I was a child. It had become an inclusive classroom. Gone were the days of conformity and uniformity.

It should be noted that just 18 months earlier, my son, Jeremy, received his autism diagnosis. He was similar to most of his peers but liked getting up and moving around. By the time third grade rolled around, he was comfortable discussing his diagnosis with his classmates.

Still, he couldn’t always sit at the desk. But his teachers had gone a long way to ensure he and every other child in the class received an inclusive education.

What is an inclusive classroom?

Simply put, an inclusive classroom supports all learners regardless of how best they learn. An inclusive classroom also provides a maximum amount of support while providing minimal disruption. Many special education students require inclusive classrooms as opposed to general education classrooms.