Before a child can learn, he must have the ability to communicate. That is the challenge that autism and its related disorders present to educators. Once the parameters of each child’s needs are identified, teachers and other professional staff develop a customized and highly individualized program that builds on the interests of the child often using visual symbols to accompany instruction. For some children, incorporating language development, occupational therapy, motor skill development and vocational training into their daily routines are instrumental in creating a well-rounded program of stimulating learning activities. Based upon each child’s needs, a plan may be created to introduce them into typical public education classroom environments.