Across the country, the number of children diagnosed as having autism has increased substantially and many of these students are in general education classrooms. How can general education teachers and other education professionals address their complex communication, social and learning needs? To assist educators in their daily work, NEA produced a resource in collaboration with the Autism Society of America, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and the National Association of School Psychologists. The Puzzle of Autism is a succinct informational guide for all education personnel who work with students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The guide explains common autistic characteristics and suggests effective classroom strategies for improving the communication, sensory, social, and behavioral skills of children who have autism.