HI Milbereio, It is very difficult to assess the situation without seeing the dynamics of the classroom but I will try to help you. Of course most students with autism need to stim. It could be a necessity for him to make this noise. It could also be he is stressed because he is not understanding what is being said. Possibly someone is speaking too fast for him to process the concept. He could also be nervous/stressed about having the noise level device. There are just so many scenarios that without reading the IEP is is difficult to help. I would definitely try to pinpoint when and where he makes these noises. i.e. related services, home or bus. With this information you might be able to pinpoint why he is making the noises. I know I gain a wealth of knowledge from discussing it with other people involved in his life. Good Luck!

I too had an ASD student last year who continually disrupted the class at the beginning of the year. His disruptions were due to anxiety and also wanting to be the centre of attention. He would also become disruptive if he did not understand what was expected of him. In the beginning he would sit on a chair at the back of the circle and often in the quiet corner to settle him as he could still listen but not be near anyone to disrupt them. He also had a board-maker chart depicting now/then to help him predict his day. I also use a visual listening bear that has jointed arms and legs to show the students visually what is means to look towards the teacher, listen, and how our bodies sit when on the floor. I am not sure what grade level you teach as some of these ideas would need to be different in higher levels. Eventually what worked best and was hard to achieve but very successful, was having a behaviour agreement that every time he interrupted the class from learning he would leave the space and have quiet time to reflect then rejoin the class. This was amazing and towards the end of the year he would regulate himself and go to the quiet area then return and get back to task.

Do you know why he makes the noise? Is it stress or anxiety related or maybe excitment? Is it Tourette syndrom? Does he make noises at other times, if so when and how often? Maybe pinpointing the cause will help you both tackle this. I'd love to hear your response.

I'm looking for some suggestions about one of my students in class. I instruct for fifteen minutes (circle time) and then the students take a break. During circle time, the students are expected to have quiet mouth and quiet hands. One student continues to hum loud or make different noises. I have him monitor his noise level by visually watching a thermometer that monitors his noise level. Too loud, is a five and the face icon shows an upset face. When he is too loud he is to put a tally mark on the sheet. If he gets no tally marks, he gets a fifteen minute computer time reward. Although this is in place, he is struggling with his noise level during circle time. When he is displaying a quiet voice he is reinforced. Any suggestions??