The National Autistic Society share the following information about Autism
“Autism is a lifelong developmental disability which affects how people communicate and interact with the world… Autism is a spectrum condition and affects people in different ways. Like all people, autistic people have their own strengths and weaknesses. Below is a list of difficulties autistic people may share
Social communication and social interaction challenges
Repetitive and restrictive behaviour
Over or under sensitivity to light, sound, taste or touch
Highly focused interests or hobbies
Extreme anxiety
Meltdowns and shutdowns”
More information can be found about each of the above on their website at the following link – https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/what-is-autism
The latest estimate of autism prevalence suggests that one in 100 people are autistic. It is believed that the actual figure is more than this.
Below is a list of some of the things that we do in every classroom and then there is a list of the things that we might do for children who are still facing some challenges in their learning.
All classrooms across school offer the following
- Repeat instructions/information and check for understanding of tasks
- Use visual timetables with symbols
- Make children aware of upcoming changes to routines wherever possible
- A calming area with fiddle toys and sensory items
- Language that is carefully considered to try to be positive and directive, clear and unambiguous
- Give children additional time for processing information
Classroom staff may also use the following
- Social scripts for routines or concepts, usually socially related, that a child needs additional support with
- Reduced language when needed, presenting verbal instructions into small, manageable ‘chunks’
- Checklists for routines
As a school, we pride ourselves on the open communication that we have with our families and would always encourage parents and carers to come and talk to the class teacher in the first instance, or our SENDCo, about any concerns or for a conversation about your child’s needs.