Take a Strengths-Based Approach

What does it really mean to take a strengths-based approach? It means shifting our lens from focusing on what a student can’t do to building on what they can. When we start from a place of strength, we communicate to our students that they already have what it takes to grow.

I had a student who loved to turn “trash” into treasures by using old boxes, broken toy parts, and toilet paper rolls to build incredible monsters and their habitats. His creativity and imagination were amazing to watch!

This student came to our classroom with a history of challenges in previous settings, but from day one, our team focused on his creativity, curiosity, and imagination, seeing them as the keys to connection. We began bringing in odd boxes, scraps, and interesting materials from home to fuel his creativity. If the supply ran low, we’d often notice our personal “junk” mysteriously disappear, only to reappear as part of his next creation! Once we built a solid relationship with him, we started weaving his passion for creating into his learning:

• “How many pipe cleaners do you need? Let’s count them!”

• “Let’s write a story about your monster and his home!”

  
  

It was fun, engaging, and most importantly he was learning. The picture on the left shows the home he poured a lot of time and imagination into. We were able to incorporate several different academic skills with this one!

Our autistic students bring unique abilities, passions, and perspectives to the classroom. It’s our role to recognize and nurture these strengths, using them as pathways for learning. When we weave students’ passions into meaningful experiences, we don’t just boost engagement — we help them feel seen, capable, and valued. When students are genuinely interested and motivated, they’re more likely to participate, persevere, and find success.

So, how do we bring student interests to life in the classroom? We've created a simple two-step process that begins with getting to know what truly excites and motivates each learner.

For some students, their passions are easy to see, but for others, it takes time and intentional observation. Here are a few ways to uncover what sparks joy:

• Observe during choice time: Watch what students naturally gravitate toward during unstructured moments. What toys, activities, or topics capture their attention?

• Ask the experts: Families and caregivers know their children best. Try asking, “What does your child rush to do when they get home?”

• Listen for joy: Notice what topics bring out smiles, laughter, or curiosity, even if those interests seem “niche.” That spark is where connection and motivation begin.

Once you’ve discovered what motivates your students, think about how to weave those interests into daily activities, especially during the times of day that tend to be most challenging.

• Morning Meeting:

• Incorporate a favorite song, video clip, or greeting connected to their passion.

• Academic Work:

  • Use books, word problems, or writing prompts about topics they love.

  • Incorporate favorite characters or hobbies into counting activities or reading passages.

• Routines:

• Add visuals or icons featuring their interests to schedules, labels, or classroom jobs.
• Assign classroom jobs based on interests.

• Self-Regulation:

• Offer interest-based options on emotional regulation choice boards or use favorite characters in social stories and power cards.

Even small moments of connection can make a big difference. When a student’s passion becomes part of their learning, their confidence and engagement grow, and so does their trust in you.

When we take a strengths-based approach, we send a powerful message: You are more than your challenges. You are capable, curious, and full of potential. This mindset helps students build self-advocacy and resilience, while helping us create learning environments where every child feels safe, understood, and proud of who they are.

Are you interested in learning more about neurodiversity, including best practices? Below is a great start!

Books

Uniquely Human by Dr. Barry Prizant

Unmasking Autism by Dr. Devon Price

We're Not Broken by Eric Garcia

Podcasts

Uniquely Human: The Podcast

Expands the conversation on autism and neurodiversity by amplifying the voices of autistic and neurodivergent individuals and thought leaders, providing insightful, cutting-edge, and practical information about the autistic and neurodivergent experience. Hosted by Barry Prizant and Dave Finch.

Neurodiversity Podcast

The Neurodiversity Podcast talks with leaders in the fields of psychology, education, and beyond, about positively impacting neurodivergent people. Their goal is to reframe differences that were once considered disabilities or disorders, promote awareness of this unique population, and improve the lives of neurodivergent and high-ability people.

Social Media Accounts

Louise Chandler

Autistic Writer, Speaker, and Creator | Lived experience and self advocacy

@neurodivergent_lou

Andi Putt

Autistic Speech Language Pathologist | Strategies for neuroaffirming practices and communication

@mrsspeechiep

Nikki Smit

Neurodivergent OT | Amazing insight into self-regulation and co-regulation

@nikkismittherapy

This must-read newsletter is filled with exciting events, valuable opportunities, and expert insights for educators and professionals supporting students with ASD.

Don’t miss out! Click the link below to access this incredible resource, and be sure to subscribe to receive the Minnesota Statewide ASD Newsletter in your inbox each quarter. Stay informed, inspired, and connected!

Check out the Making Music Together Themes First! Unit, which includes original songs, books, and activities that support students’ skill development and generalization with content that’s fun, accessible, and theme-based. These monthly units now include an expanded Social Studies suite, containing fun, theme-related activities that reinforce cultural engagement. Included in all Themes First! units are lessons, activities, and worksheets for group and independent work at a wide range of levels.

The next Themes First! release, December's Planes Trains and Autos is ready to prep!

💡Print all the activities you plan to use for the upcoming month as soon as they become available. Put printed activities in a "prep" area equipped with a laminator, file folders, Velcro, labels, and baggies. If you have a large laminator, laminate all the activities at once! When you and your team have a few minutes to spare, laminate, cut, and Velcro. It helps to organize activities in trays by "Needs to be Prepped" and "Finished." Don't forget to teach your team how to prep the activities and to model this new expectation. Check out the How to Prep a Month-Long Themes First! Unit below.

Current Series: Building Neuroaffirming Classrooms

What is Neurodiversity?

"Hearing Autistic Voices"

Teaching Through Lived Experience

It Starts with Us: Shifting Mindsets

Honor All Communication

Build Trusting Relationships

STAR Media Center Updates: Themes First

STAR Media Center Updates: Routine Essentials

Welcome Back! 9/2/2025

2023-2025 Tuesday Tips & Tricks

Feel free to reach out anytime with questions or concerns—I’m happy to help! You can contact me by email or phone, and I’m also available for quick Zoom chats on Fridays from 7:30–8:00 AM and 3:00–3:30 PM. If those times don’t work for your schedule, just send me an email, and we’ll find a time that works best for both of us.

Use the link below to ask questions about this week's Tuesday Tips 'N' Tricks and/or give suggestions on future topics.