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Autism Teaching Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Autism Teaching Assistant information

What is an autism teaching assistant?

Autism Teaching Assistants are educational professionals who support teachers and students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in classroom settings. They help implement individualized education plans (IEPs), assist with communication and behavioral strategies, and provide one-on-one or small group support to students. Their role is essential in creating an inclusive environment that promotes learning and social development tailored to the unique needs of students with autism. They often collaborate with teachers, therapists, and families to ensure consistent support and progress.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an autism teaching assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Autism Teaching Assistant, you need knowledge of autism spectrum disorders, experience or training in special education, and often a relevant qualification such as a CACHE Level 2/3 Certificate or equivalent. Familiarity with communication systems like PECS, Makaton, and assistive technology tools is commonly required. Patience, empathy, strong observational skills, and the ability to build rapport with students are standout soft skills. These skills and qualifications are crucial for providing tailored support, fostering student progress, and maintaining a positive and inclusive learning environment.

How does an autism teaching assistant typically collaborate with teachers and therapists in supporting students?

As an Autism Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with classroom teachers and therapists to implement individualized education plans (IEPs) and behavior support strategies for students on the autism spectrum. Daily collaboration often involves attending planning meetings, sharing observations about student progress, and adapting lesson materials to meet sensory and communication needs. This teamwork ensures that support is consistent and tailored, helping students achieve their academic and social goals in an inclusive environment.

What is the difference between Autism Teaching Assistant vs Special Education Assistant?

AspectAutism Teaching AssistantSpecial Education Assistant
Required CredentialsOften requires relevant certifications or experience working with autismMay require general special education training or certifications
Work EnvironmentPrimarily supports students with autism in classrooms or therapy settingsSupports students with various disabilities in inclusive or specialized classrooms
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in schools, therapy centers, and autism-focused programsCommonly employed in public and private schools supporting diverse special needs
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for roles supporting autism-specific needsBroader role supporting various disabilities, but often searched together

While both roles support students with special needs, an Autism Teaching Assistant specializes in working with children on the autism spectrum, often requiring specific training or experience. A Special Education Assistant supports students with a range of disabilities, making the Autism Teaching Assistant role more focused on autism-specific strategies and interventions.

How to become an autism teaching assistant?

To become an autism teaching assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some roles requiring additional certifications such as a paraprofessional or teaching assistant credential. Relevant skills include patience, communication, and understanding of autism spectrum disorders, and some employers may prefer prior experience or training in special education or behavioral support. Certification requirements vary by region and employer, and ongoing professional development is often encouraged.

What qualifications do you need to teach autism teaching assistants?

Autism teaching assistants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some roles requiring relevant qualifications such as a Level 2 or Level 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools certificate. Relevant skills include patience, communication, and understanding of autism spectrum disorders, and some positions may require background checks or specialized training.

What job categories do people searching Autism Teaching Assistant jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Autism Teaching Assistant jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Autism Teaching Assistant jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Autism Teaching Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Autism Teaching Assistant job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Teacher Assistant, Special Education (Autism)

Loudoun County Public Schools

Ashburn, VA • On-site

$22.47 - $25.28/hr

Other

Re-posted 21 days ago


Loudoun County Public Schools rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

286th of 643 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

Job Overview

This is work providing instructional support, training, and personal assistance to teachers of students with physical disabilities or intellectual disabilities. An employee in this assignment is responsible for assisting the teacher by performing instructional duties, preparing classroom materials, supervising student behavior, learning and applying specific behavior management techniques, performing clerical duties, and providing assistance with personal hygiene and physical care as required. The work is performed under the guidance and supervision of the teacher.

Roles and Responsibilities

The following information is intended to describe the overall nature and scope of the work being performed. This is not a comprehensive listing of all responsibilities or tasks; work may differ and other work may be assigned when deemed appropriate.

  • Collects and records student data such as skill practice, seizure occurrences, and toileting.
  • Provides discipline in the absence of the teacher and maintains consistency with procedures established by the teacher.
  • Implements behavior modification plans.
  • Practices individual speech sounds, vocabulary, and syntax objectives with students as directed by the speech therapist; reads to students and asks questions to stimulate language development; presents language activities involving expressive and receptive areas of development.
  • Supervises learning centers during independent student work and assists students in manipulating materials.
  • Participates in classroom activities such as discussions and games.
  • Operates computer and audiovisual equipment such as DVD, data projector, or smartboards.

Qualifications

Below are the minimum qualifications for this job. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are also acceptable.

Education

High school diploma or GED

Experience

Experience as a teacher aide or experience working with children

Licenses and Certifications

NA

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Ability to work under the supervision of the teacher, including following lesson plans prepared by teachers
  • Ability to work effectively with individual children and small groups, meeting the instructional objectives as established by the teacher
  • Physical ability to lift, position, and assist students as required
  • Ability to accept and adapt to the wide differences in student characteristics and abilities
  • Ability to operate standard office equipment, learn to operate video equipment, and learn to perform individual medical procedures when necessary
  • Good human relations and communications skills; patience and flexibility

Physical Requirements

The following provides a brief description of physical requirements for this job:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly talking, expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. The employee must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly. The employee must possess normal cognitive abilities including the ability to learn, recall and apply certain practices and policies. Frequently sitting and/or remaining in a stationary position for long periods of time. Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.

Reports to: Principal or Assistant Principal

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Months/Days/Hours: 10 months/ 187 days/ 7 hours per day

Salary Level: Scale B/Universal - Non-exempt Level 4

Salary Scale: https://www.lcps.org/compensation

Remote Work Eligible: No

Salary Range: $22.47-$25.28

Union Designation: Non-certified


What Loudoun County Public Schools employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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Loudoun County Public Schools logo

About Loudoun County Public Schools

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) is a prominent entity in the education industry, situated in Broadlands, Virginia, United States. Being operational through the official website, lcps.org, LCPS provides quality public education services as its core product. The establishment dates back to 1870, providing educational services to the Loudoun County for over 150 years. LCPS's mission is to empower all students to make meaningful contributions to the world. They aim to create a safe and motivating environment for students and work with a dedication to continuous growth and achievement. Notably, LCPS has been recognized repeatedly for its commitment to educational excellence, with numerous schools within the district earning the Virginia Index of Performance awards for advanced learning and achievement.

Industry

Elementary and secondary schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Broadlands, VA, US

Year founded

1870