20 Social Emotional IEP Goals: A Comprehensive Guide for Special Education Teachers
November 5, 2025
Why Social Emotional IEP Goals Matter In today’s classrooms, social emotional learning (SEL) is just as important as academics. For students with exceptionalities, social emotional IEP goals help build confidence, improve self-regulation, and support healthy relationships. These goals give students the tools to navigate challenges, express feelings appropriately, and connect with others. Special education teachers know: emotional growth leads to academic growth. Setting clear, measurable SEL goals helps both. How to Write SMART Social Emotional IEP Goals When writing any IEP goal, use the SMART framework: Specific — Define the exact skill. Measurable — Set a way to track progress. Achievable — Match the student’s current ability. Relevant — Connect to the student’s real needs. Time-Bound — Include a deadline or mastery period. 20 Social Emotional IEP Goals (With Examples) Below are 20 teacher-tested examples that …
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Best Sensory Toys for Autism and ADHD: How to Help Your Child Focus, Calm, and Thrive
May 2, 2025
Updated October 2025: Added expert insights and new sensory product picks. If your child has autism or ADHD, you’ve probably seen how a crowded classroom, loud noises, or scratchy tags can trigger overwhelm in seconds. For years, mornings in our house began with meltdowns—until I discovered sensory play. Sensory toys aren’t just fun; they’re In this guide, I’ll share research-backed sensory toys that truly help children thrive—plus expert insights and real-life experiences from our family’s journey. What Are Sensory Toys — and Why They Help Sensory toys engage one or more of a child’s senses—touch, sight, sound, movement, or balance. They help the brain organize sensory information, which can improve focus and reduce anxiety. “Sensory play helps children regulate their nervous systems,” says Dr. Jane Rivera, OTR/L, pediatric occupational …
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A Comprehensive Guide to the Best Schools for Autism in Arizona
July 6, 2024
Are you looking around for the best schools for Autism in Arizona? Look no further. I will guide you through it. The Best Autism Schools in Arizona: Nurturing Every Child's Potential Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects children and young adults in unique ways, requiring specialized education plans tailored to individual needs. Arizona stands out with a diverse array of schools dedicated to supporting autistic children. Each school offers distinct approaches and services to help students thrive, from public schools to private institutions. In this post, I will explore the best autism schools in Arizona, highlighting the unique features that make them exceptional choices for parents seeking the right school for their children. Understanding the Educational Landscape for Autism in Arizona Arizona's commitment to providing high-quality education for students …
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Understanding High-Functioning Autism Behavior Problems
June 24, 2024
High-functioning autism, often referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Level 1, presents unique challenges and behaviors that require specific support strategies. Understanding these behaviors, particularly the difficulties in social interactions, communication, and sensory processing, is crucial for providing the appropriate support. I want to shed light on the behavior problems associated with high-functioning autism, exploring how they manifest in daily life and discussing effective strategies for support and intervention. Symptoms and Behavioral Issues of High-Functioning Autism Social Interactions and Communication Challenges High-functioning autism is characterized by significant challenges in social interactions and communication. Autistic individuals often have difficulty understanding social cues, such as body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. This can lead to awkward social situations and misunderstandings. For instance, an autistic person might not …
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Understanding the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale: A Comprehensive Overview
May 31, 2024
The Gilliam Autism Rating Scale (GARS-3) is one of the most widely used instruments for the assessment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In its third edition, the GARS-3 is designed to help teachers, parents, and clinicians identify autism in children and young adults. This tool, notable for its efficiency and reliability, offers a comprehensive assessment by evaluating various behavioral characteristics and providing diagnostic criteria consistent with the DSM-5. In this blog post, we will explore the key features, diagnostic criteria, and the overall utility of the GARS-3 in clinical settings. Purchase the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale Key Features and New Additions Third Edition Enhancements The GARS-3 has been significantly updated from its previous editions, incorporating forty-four new items to enhance its accuracy and validity. These additions stem from recent …
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32 Effective ADHD Accommodations: A Comprehensive Checklist for a 504
March 29, 2024
Do you have a 504 plan or IEP for your ADHD child? It's important to have a good ADHD checklist of accommodations. Check out Thriving with ADHD Workbook for Kids It took me a long time to navigate this process when I had my son tested for ADHD. At first, the school recommended medication but in my eyes, he was way too young for that. I tried other things like diet and fidgets but his behavior simply got worse. My Story - Getting A Comprehensive Checklist for a 504 After finding out that it wasn't all about medication, and that the school could collaborate with me to develop a good 504 plan, things started to get better. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects millions of individuals, making it …
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20 Social Emotional IEP Goals: A Comprehensive Guide for Special Education Teachers
March 24, 2024
updated November, 2025 Why Social Emotional IEP Goals Matter In today’s classrooms, social emotional learning (SEL) is just as important as academics. For students with exceptionalities, social emotional IEP goals help build confidence, improve self-regulation, and support healthy relationships. These goals give students the tools to navigate challenges, express feelings appropriately, and connect with others. Special education teachers know: emotional growth leads to academic growth. Setting clear, measurable SEL goals helps both. How to Write SMART Social Emotional IEP Goalsa When writing any IEP goal, use the SMART framework: Specific — Define the exact skill. Measurable — Set a way to track progress. Achievable — Match the student’s current ability. Relevant — Connect to the student’s real needs. Time-Bound — Include a deadline or mastery period. 20 Social Emotional IEP Goals (With Examples) Below are 20 teacher-tested …
