Understanding Autism Lesson Plan Understanding Autism Through Empathy
Building inclusive classrooms through sensory awareness.
Grade 8
Duration: 30 Minutes
Tier 1 Instruction
Learning Objective
Students will be able to describe common sensory challenges faced by individuals with Autism and identify three practical ways to foster an inclusive environment for neurodivergent peers.
Materials Needed
Sensory Materials (Gloves, Earplugs)
"Empathy Lens" Slide Deck
Video: Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Reflection Worksheets
Instructional Steps
5m
Introduction to Autism
Begin with a brief overview of Autism: explaining it is a spectrum condition affecting social interaction, communication, interests, and behavior.
Highlight that "spectrum" means it looks different for everyone.
Emphasize that neurodiversity is a natural part of human difference.
Set the goal: Moving from "knowing about" to "feeling with" (empathy).
10m
Sensory Simulation Activity
Divide students into small groups for "The Lens Challenge."
Activity Instructions:
Have one student wear heavy gloves while trying to button a shirt or tie a shoe. Have another wear earplugs while you play a recording of white noise or loud static, and ask them to write down a complex sentence you read aloud.
Ask: "How did your brain feel trying to filter out the noise or manage the gloves?"
10m
Video and Discussion
Video URL: https://presidio-school.lennylearning.org/view/neurodevelopmental-disorders
Show the video on Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Use the Discussion Guide to explore:
What facts surprised you?
How did the video connect to the feelings you had during the simulation?
The difference between "sympathy" and "empathy."
5m
Reflection and Sharing
Distribute the Reflection Worksheets.
Students write personal commitments to supporting peers.
Invite 2-3 volunteers to share one "practical step" they can take.
Closing thought: "Inclusion is a choice we make every day."
Facilitation Tips
Sensitive Context
Some students in your class may have Autism or neurodivergent siblings. Frame the conversation with respect and focus on strengths alongside challenges.
Sensory Management
If the static noise simulation is too loud, ensure it is brief. Monitor for any students who may be genuinely sensitive to the noise.
Autism Empathy Discussion Guide Discussion Guide
Neurodevelopmental Disorders & Empathy
Use these questions to facilitate a class-wide or small-group discussion following the Neurodevelopmental Disorders video and the sensory simulation activity. Focus on moving from factual understanding to emotional empathy.
1
What was one new thing you learned about Autism from the video?
Facilitator Tip: Encourage students to think about specific facts, personal stories, or the visual representations shown in the video.
2
How did the sensory simulation activity make you feel?
Facilitator Tip: Ask students to connect their personal feelings of frustration, confusion, or exhaustion to the experiences of individuals with Autism as described in the video.
3
Why is it important to understand and empathize with individuals who have Autism?
Facilitator Tip: Guide students to discuss the role of empathy in creating a culture of inclusion where everyone feels safe and valued.
Discussion Transition
"Now that we've talked about these challenges and feelings together, let's take a few minutes to think individually about how this changes the way we see our own school community."
Autism Empathy Reflection Worksheet Step Into Their Shoes
Reflection Worksheet
Name
Date
Reflect on the sensory activities, the video, and our class discussion. Be honest and thoughtful in your responses as you consider how to build a more inclusive community.
1. What did you learn about the challenges faced by individuals with Autism?
Consider both the physical sensory experiences and the information shared in the video.
2. How can you support a peer with Autism in our class or school?
List at least two practical, everyday actions you can take to be more inclusive.
3. Why is it important to show empathy towards people who experience the world differently?
Reflect on how empathy changes the atmosphere of a classroom or school.
"Diversity is being invited to the party; inclusion is being asked to dance." — Verna Myers
Understanding Autism Slides Understanding Autism Through Empathy
Building an Inclusive School Community
Today's Goals
1
Understand that Autism is a spectrum condition.
2
Simulate sensory challenges to build empathy.
3
Identify ways to support our peers.
"Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another, and feeling with the heart of another."
What is Autism?
Social
Different ways of communicating and interacting with others.
Sensory
Experiencing sights, sounds, and touch more or less intensely.
Interests
Having deep, focused interests in specific topics or activities.
It is a SPECTRUM—meaning it looks different for everyone!
Activity: The Lens Challenge
The Glove Task
Try to button a shirt or tie a shoe while wearing heavy gloves.
The Noise Task
Try to write a complex sentence while listening to loud static noise.
The Big Question
"How does your brain feel when it has too much information to process at once?"
Video: Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Let's watch to learn more about how different brains experience the world.
https://presidio-school.lennylearning.org/view/neurodevelopmental-disorders
Discussion Question 1
What was one new thing you learned about Autism from the video?
Discussion Question 2
How did the sensory simulation activity make you feel?
Final Reflection
Why is it important to show empathy towards people who experience the world differently?
How Can We Support Others?
Be Patient with different communication styles.
Ask before offering help.
Respect sensory needs (like quiet space).
Inclusion is a Choice
Every time you choose empathy over judgment, you make our school a better place for everyone.
