What strategy can help a 3rd-grade student with autism stay focused during group lessons?

Providing a visual schedule and a fidget tool is an effective strategy for helping a 3rd-grade student with autism stay focused during group lessons. A visual schedule can help the student anticipate what will happen throughout the lesson, reducing anxiety and improving their ability to follow along with the lesson. It gives a clear structure to the class, allowing the student to mentally prepare for transitions between activities.

The inclusion of a fidget tool serves as an outlet for excess energy and helps the student maintain focus on the lesson. These tools can help in managing sensory needs and can facilitate concentration by occupying the hands, which may prevent the student from becoming restless or distracted by external stimuli. Overall, this combination addresses both the need for a clear understanding of the lesson's flow and a supportive mechanism to manage focus and anxiety, making it a well-rounded approach for enhancing engagement in learning activities.