You're Going to Love This Kid!: Teaching Autistic Students in the Inclusive Classroom

One of the most popular, practical, and trusted books on inclusive education, this bestselling guide is now in a fully updated third edition—perfect for K–12 educators teaching the growing number of students on the autism spectrum. Created by Paula Kluth, a former teacher and celebrated inclusion expert who works with teachers and families nationwide, this book gives educators sensitive new ways to see autistic students and instantly useful strategies for teaching and welcoming them in general education classrooms.

Both pre- and in-service educators will find the up-to-date research and ready-to-use tips they need to make schools safe, accessible, and appropriately challenging for learners on the autism spectrum. Drawing on decades of experience, Paula Kluth offers a comprehensive, real-world guide to supporting autistic students—from big-picture guidance on the law, planning, and collaboration to the practical details of classroom arrangement, teaching strategies, and positive behavior supports. With a clear focus on the strengths, gifts, and perspectives of autistic learners, the book prominently features the voices of autistic people and their families and includes their valuable ideas and insights.

A professional resource and textbook that teachers will keep forever, this new edition of “You’re Going to Love this Kid!” is the ultimate guide to supporting autistic students and meeting each learner’s individual needs in the inclusive classroom.

WHAT’S NEW

• All chapters thoroughly updated to reflect the latest research and recommended practices
• More insights from autistic people and their family members
• Engaging new features: learning objectives, bulleted organizers, and all-new discussion questions
• New and updated reproducible materials: includes 20 online forms, student worksheets, planning tools, activities, and checklists
• A new chapter co-author adding expert advice on making classrooms supportive for those with sensory needs
• Identity-first language that reflects the preferences of autistic people
• More graphics, photos, and artwork that illustrate and reinforce key points

TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE:

• values and beliefs that support inclusive schooling
• definitions and characteristics of autism
• respectful partnerships with parents and caregivers
• classroom arrangement and sensory supports
• classroom community and social relationships
• communication tools and considerations
• effective literacy instruction
• respectful and effective responses to behavior
• lesson planning
• co-teaching and collaboration with team members
• federal laws related to special education

Paula Kluth, Ph.D., (she/her) is a consultant, author, advocate, and independent scholar who works with teachers and families to provide inclusive opportunities for students with disabilities and to create more responsive and engaging schooling experiences for all learners. She is a former K–12 special educator who has served as a classroom teacher, co-teacher, and inclusion facilitator. Paula has also been a university professor and taught courses on both inclusion and disability studies. Most recently, Paula’s work has centered on helping teachers and administrators educate all students in their schools and classrooms. She also frequently works with families and advocacy groups to support goals related to inclusion. In addition to inclusive education and autism, her professional interests include universal design for learning, co-teaching, and educating students with complex support needs.

Paula is the author or coauthor of 15 other titles including Universal Design Daily, 30 Days to the Co-Taught Classroom (with Dr. Julie Causton), Don’t We Already Do Inclusion?: 100 Ideas for Improving Inclusive Schools, and Just Give Him the Whale: 20 Ways to Use Fascinations, Areas of Expertise, and Strengths to Support Students with Autism (with Dr. Patrick Schwarz). She is also the author of a few books for children, including Coaster, a story of a puppy with wonderful wheels.

You can find out more about Paula’s work by visiting her web site, www.inclusionrules.com, or by connecting with her on social media (@paulakluth).