Fostering Independence and Positive Behaviors in My Autism Classroom
Help me give my students Help me create a classroom for children with autism using sensory tools and visual supports to reduce challenging behaviors, support emotional regulation, and promote independence for their social, emotional, and academic growth.
$642 goal
This project expired on September 2, 2025.
This project expired on September 2, 2025.
Celebrating Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month
This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
My Project
I am a special education teacher working in a self-contained classroom for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. My students are amazing individuals who face daily challenges in communication, sensory regulation, and social-emotional development. I am currently working on developing their independence and autonomy. Some of my students exhibit tantrums or aggressive behaviors that interfere with their learning and ability to thrive in the classroom.
To support their growth through the project, I need resources that will create a structured, calm, and engaging classroom environment.
These include:
1. Visual supports (schedules, choice boards, first-then charts, and index cards) to increase comprehension and reduce anxiety.
2. Sensory tools (stress relievers, weighted lap pads, noise-cancelling headphones) to promote self-regulation and help prevent overstimulation.
3. Instructional materials (adapted books, fine motor tools, manipulatives) tailored to their individual learning styles.
4. Classroom management tools to implement consistent behavior strategies and support emotional regulation.
These materials will help my students gain confidence in their routines, reduce challenging behaviors, and increase their learning engagement. This will promote autonomy, communication, and essential life skills.
More than a third of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Never Before Funded10 students impacted
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Teacher Created Resources Plastic Book Bin 5.5 x 11.38 x 7.5 Teal Confetti Pack of 3 (TCR20340-3)
• Staples
$26.19
2
$52.38
Sensory Liquid Motion Bubble Set
• Nasco
$17.00
3
$51.00
Autism & Prosperity Time Schedule Tasks - Autism Learning Materials, Special Education Autism Sensory Products, Sensory Toys for Kids with Autism, Visual Schedule for Kids with Autism Age 3 4 5 7 8 12
• Amazon Business
$47.47
1
$47.47
Solobo Toys: EMOTIONS COIN DROP (calming corner resources; social emotional learning toy; sensory play)
• DonorsChoose Featured Favorites
$40.00
1
$40.00
4 FIDGET Friends - Bendable 3.5" Fidget Toys Axolotls (calming corner, desk pets, social emotional awareness learning, fidgets for teen mental health)
• DonorsChoose Featured Favorites
$16.00
2
$32.00
Now and Next Board with 35 Visual Symbols Based Around Life at Home.
• Amazon Business
$25.00
1
$25.00
Ctosree 246 Pcs Communication Book Small Tools for Visual Schedule Picture Cards Include 3 Ring Binder Dividers 100 Adhesive Labels 5 Card Dividers for Kids ADHD(Mixed Color)
• Amazon Business
$21.99
1
$21.99
Juvale 12 Pack Double Sided Small Dry Erase White Boards with Lines - Whiteboards for Students and Classroom Supplies (9x12 in)
• Amazon Business
$21.48
1
$21.48
Feelings and Emotions Cards Toolbox, Calming Strategy Cards for Social Emotional Learning, Learn Coping Skills, Calming Corner Game, Social Skills Cards, Autism Therapy
• Amazon Business
$21.39
1
$21.39
Visual Schedule for School Visual TImetable for Classroom, Send, Autism, Speech and Language, ADHD, ASD, Aspergers
• Amazon Business
$20.00
1
$20.00
5 Pcs Marble Maze Mat Sensory Fidget Stress Relief Calming Toys, Sensory Mat Tactile Sensory Toys for Kids Teens Autism School Classroom Home Supplies Reduce Anxiety Mindfulness Maze - Animal
• Amazon Business
$17.99
1
$17.99
Baby Sensory Texture Ball Toy Set,10Pcs Montessori Toys for Babies 6-12 Months,Develop Fine Motor & Sensory Play for Newborns’ Early Learning,Fidget Stress Toys for Autism/Anxiety Relief.
• Amazon Business
$17.85
1
$17.85
My Body Sends a Signal: Helping Kids Recognize Emotions & Express Feelings - Resilient Kids (social emotional learning paperback; calming corner)
• DonorsChoose Featured Favorites
$16.00
1
$16.00
Calming Chart to reduce anxiety, support behaviour management and anger management, using visual aids, visual symbols, picture cards to support adhd, autism, aspergers
• Amazon Business
$16.00
1
$16.00
Slow Rise Sensory Stress Ball 8 Pack, Stretchy Fidget Ball for Anxiety Stress Relief, Fidget Toys for Kids Adults, Gifts Christmas with Nice Box, Stocking Stuffer for Kids (Slow Rise)
• Amazon Business
$15.16
1
$15.16
Behavior Skills Printables Workbook: for Students with Autism and Similar Special Needs
• Amazon Business
$14.38
1
$14.38
Solobo Toys: Only the Emotions Coins (30 per pack) - social emotional learning tools
• DonorsChoose Featured Favorites
$14.00
1
$14.00
15 PCS Chair Bands for Kids with Fidgety Feet, Flexible Seating Classroom Furniture Rubber Bands for Kids, Fidget Bands for School Classroom Chairs and Desk, Ideal for ADHD, Autism, Hyperactivity
• Amazon Business
$13.95
1
$13.95
hand2mind Letter Tracing Sensory Pad
• Quill.com
$13.76
1
$13.76
Squishy Fidget Sensory Toys for Kids, Calming Down Sensory Tools for Autism Autistic Special Needs, Sensory Bin Squeeze Toys for Classroom Prize, Travel Toys
• Amazon Business
$9.89
1
$9.89
Fidget Sensory Toys for Autism Kids, Quiet Fidget for Classroom Calming Down Must Haves, Squishy Stress Anxiety Relief for Adults Office & Home ,Fidget Shapes Learning Toys
• Amazon Business
$9.89
1
$9.89
Best Behavior - Hands Are Not for Hitting / Las Manos No Son Para Pegar - Paperback Book
• AKJ Education
$8.75
1
$8.75
Emotions Face Feelings Fan Flash Cards - ASD / Autism / SEN / Special Needs Nonverbal Speech Delay Social Communication Aid by Play Doctor
• Amazon Business
$6.99
1
$6.99
Materials cost
$507.32
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$7.61
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$544.93
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$96.16
Total project goal
$641.09
Our team works hard to negotiate the best pricing and selections available.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Dr. Torres de Briceno and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
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