Page 5 - Demo

It is important to recognize that support for Southwest’s student population (those with Autism and other exceptionalities and those considered neurotypical) isn’t contained to this one classroom. It is pervasive throughout the school and inherent to who these teachers and administrators are as educators and as people. Southwest is embracing the differences of every student and striving to meet them where they are.
As a result, the Home Base classroom concept was recently recognized as a Mentor Demonstration Class for the University of Central Florida’s Project ASD.
“Words can’t describe what this team brings to the table in terms of talent, experience and heart,” says Principal Shaw. “They have these kids’ hearts and souls in their minds and in their hands on a daily basis.”
About the Home Base Classroom
The Home Base classroom is standard in its size and design. There are desks and kidney shaped tables, a white board, and bookshelves. Motivational posters hang on the walls, which are painted a calming pale blue. Blue light filters help to filter out the harsh fluorescents that can cause eyestrain, headaches, anxiety and other sensitivities in students with
ASD. The classroom has a door-less sensory room where students can go to take a break or re-center themselves. Inside are places to sit, draw, and listen to music. There are various kinds of pillows and stress toys for tactile stimulation. Visual supports on the walls prompt students to use calming strategies.
Ask a middle school student with Autism Spectrum Disorder what they want you to know most about them and they will say: