{"id":2421,"date":"2020-07-01T14:27:17","date_gmt":"2020-07-01T14:27:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/as\/aberdeenshireeps\/?page_id=2421"},"modified":"2023-02-06T13:22:28","modified_gmt":"2023-02-06T13:22:28","slug":"autism-support","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/as\/aberdeenshireeps\/autism-support\/","title":{"rendered":"Autism Support"},"content":{"rendered":"

Returning to school after a break – some ideas for autistic learners*<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Many children and young people (and their parents!) may be excited about returning to school after a break but some might also have some worries about coming back.\u00a0 This mixture of emotions is to be expected and it is useful to focus on the positives and what they will already be familiar when they go back.<\/p>\n

Many autistic learners will have had transition planning as part of their support but we are also aware that things might change again by the time we go back and so we cannot always share certainties and that can cause everyone frustration. Many autistic learners feel a constant level of anxiety which can be higher than for others, and this anxiety can increase very easily.\u00a0 As a result, some autistic learners and their families may have some additional worries and may require some individualised planning for returning to school.<\/p>\n

The good news is that schools and early years settings already have lots of resources to support all sorts of transitions for autistic learners.\u00a0 The Educational Psychology Service are often involved in supporting transitions and we have developed some materials about transitions in general on our website and these can be found by clicking\u00a0here.<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0 In addition, resources specific to children with additional support needs can be found on the Aberdeenshire ASN website and you can access this information\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

We have also been thinking about some top tips and things to think about for autistic learners in particular.<\/p>\n

The 5 key messages we recommend for supporting autistic learners to reduce anxiety, support regulation and readiness to learn are:<\/p>\n

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  1. Say less\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013 whilst there are lots of potential changes that you want to get across, it is important not to overwhelm the learner with too much information.\u00a0 Also remember that communication is more than verbal language.\u00a0 Think of all the messages\/information from your body language and non-verbal cues.\u00a0 Body language\/non-verbal cues are really important.<\/li>\n
  2. Use visual supports<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 this supports understanding and reduces the amount of cognitive over load.\u00a0 Visuals can support independence, help us to manage change and can reduce anxiety.<\/li>\n
  3. Practice and Prepare<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 this is the basis for most of our transition planning.\u00a0 Provide advance warning where you can and think about how much has changed and what has stayed the same.\u00a0 When strategies don\u2019t work immediately it doesn\u2019t mean the support isn\u2019t correct and you need to continue to practice and prepare and repeat.<\/li>\n
  4. Provide a safe space\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013 consider the individual\u2019s sensory needs.\u00a0 You may need to update any previous sensory assessment to take in to account any changes within the setting or with the young person\u2019s recent experiences.\u00a0 Consider what would be the most appropriate safe space for each learner and that this isn\u2019t always out of the classroom.<\/li>\n
  5. Make the connection<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 engage with the child\/young person, and their parent\/carer.\u00a0 Some things may have changed and there may be some differences in the child\/young person\u2019s needs and abilities.\u00a0 Think about your mirror neuron system \u2013 use their language and expressions. Meet the young person where they are at now and don\u2019t assume it is the same as when you last saw them.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    In addition to our top tips, a number of organisations have been working hard on pulling together some ideas to support this transition back to school and we have gathered together some information for you on this website.<\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    The Autism Toolbox has a dedicated section on their website for ideas to support Transitions for autistic learners and these can be found here.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

    The toolbox includes guidance and support for returning to school, in the following areas:<\/p>\n