What is Autism?
Autism, as described by the National Autistic Society (NAS), 'is a lifelong developmental disability which affects how people communicate and interact with the world' (NAS, 2021).
How do we support autistic pupils at Rockmount?
At Rockmount, we use a variety of strategies and resources to support our autistic pupils in reaching their full potential alongside their peers. Below are some of the key resources and strategies used with our pupils including visual timetables, emotion key rings and social stories. Using these resources alongside support and advice from specialist professionals allows our autistic pupils to thrive in a mainstream environment.
- Using reduced, simplified language when giving instructions
- Considering the learning environment; some autistic children may have sensory sensitivities
- Pre-warning children of changes to usual routines using visuals as necessary
- Taking account of children's own interests to support learning tasks
- Identifying and building on children's strengths
- Establishing a daily classroom routine – with regular times for stories, teaching sessions, etc
- Displaying the day's lessons on the wall or board in a visual manner
- Having high and positive expectations
- Being consistent, firm, fair and patient and giving constant feedback and positive reinforcement
- Allowing ‘time out’ if required to move/de-stress/relax
- Using 'first and then' boards
- Facilitating a quiet space in school that is accessible (wellbeing area/chill out zone)
- Providing de-stress, tactile or fiddle toys: tangle toys, stress shape etc
Below are documents and links to resources and information around supporting autistic children and their families.
