This course is designed to provide paraprofessionals, working with students with autism, a better understanding of the challenges students with autism face and how to support them. Participants will discuss the various behaviors students with autism engage in and how to best address them while improving student engagement and participation. Participation will also have a better understanding of what social communication deficits look like for students with autism and how to support the development of skills in these areas. Strategies will be shared that can be used to support the development of social understanding and improve the interactions of students with autism and their peers. All areas will be discussed in relation to the characteristics of autism and determining how to best meet student needs while addressing areas of concern.