Autism in a nutshell. Inclusion discussion. Introduction to middle school -- Philosophy and definition of inclusion -- Necessary components - Profiles and characteristics. Profile of the typical developing middle school student -- Profile of the typical developing middle school student with autism/AS -- Where do we find the middle school student with autism/ AS? -- Formation of an Individual Educational Plan (IEP). Issues to consider for a middle school IEP -- Necessary supports -- Behavior programming in middle school. Behavior analysis -- Positive behavior systems -- Reactive/crisis plans -- Academic issues for middle-school students. Middle school academic environment -- Functional curriculum vs. academic curriculum -- Academic modifications -- Diplomas --Foreign language requirement -- Block scheduling -- Teacher expectations -- Academic intensity -- Homework issues and family incentive program -- Student progress reports -- Attendance issues and suspensions -- Organizational skills -- Team teaching -- Areas of strength/splinter skills -- Social programming. Peer tutor programs -- Social skills objectives for the IEP -- Social skills assessment -- Direct instruction of social skills -- Choosing a social skills curriculum -- Student cliques -- Credited peer programs -- Extracurricular activities -- Friendships -- Collaboration. Program manager -- Between home and school -- Between regular education teachers -- Between special education and regular education teachers -- School administration support -- Between mom and dad -- Between school and community therapists -- Between paraprofessional staff and supervisor -- Treatment team meetings -- Other programming issues to consider. Teacher exhaustion or burn-out -- Transition to high school -- Middle school mentality -- Dress code -- Lockers -- Changing classes -- Working in groups -- Budding sexuality and raging hormones -- Fine and gross motor challenges -- Sensory issues.