Have you been curious about how to set up your elementary autistic support classroom? Join me as I give you a
This Teaching Assistant Book PDF '99 Intelligent Questions Teaching Support Staff Can Ask About Working With Autistic Children In Mainstream Primary School' is suitable for all staff who support teaching and learning in Primary Schools in the UK. That includes 1:1s, Teaching Assistants, Classroom Assistants, Learning Support Assistants, Higher Level Teaching Assistants...or whatever they call you in your school... Being placed in a new role with little or no training can be a source of significant anxiety for teaching support staff. The uncertainty of facing challenges without proper preparation can be daunting, especially when you lack the experience to know what questions to ask to gain the necessary knowledge. This gap in understanding can hinder your ability to effectively support students and in addition, it makes you feel stupid – which you most certainly are NOT! That's why the 99 intelligent questions in this book pdf are so invaluable. They give you the ability to ask pertinent questions at school. Knowing what questions to ask will boost your confidence AND the answers you receive will boost your knowledge. In an ideal world you will ALWAYS be given the training you need but we know that working in education is often far from ideal! So, this little book of 99 intelligent questions you can ask about working with autistic children has got your back! Inside You Will Find: 99 Intelligent Questions: ✅Carefully crafted questions to deepen your understanding of supporting autistic children. ✅Questions that foster collaboration with teachers, parents, and other professionals. ✅Practical questions to enhance your skills and strategies for supporting autistic children. Guidance on Asking Questions: ✅Insight into the importance of asking quality questions. ✅Advice on who to ask these questions to within the school environment. ✅Tips on how to use these questions to gain valuable insights and knowledge. 30 Actionable Tips for Supporting Autistic Children: ✅Effective strategies for classroom integration and social interaction. ✅Techniques for improving communication and understanding. ✅Specific tips for promoting emotional regulation and fostering an inclusive environment. Each of the 99 questions is on it's own page with space underneath for you to write the answers you receive, providing you with a record of how to manage behaviour in YOUR role in YOUR school. Download it today and start putting your worries about supporting autistic children BEHIND YOU!
Have you been curious about how to set up your elementary autistic support classroom? Join me as I give you a
No two autistic children are the same, and their autism manifests in different ways. Like every child, autistic children need to be treated as individuals. When it comes to teaching, there are ways to support a child with autism in the classroom #autismsupport #autismawareness #autismparenting #teaching
As an educator, how do you teach your autistic students about their autism? Check out these tips on teaching autism in a neurodiversity-affirming and positive way.
Best tips for how to teach kids with autism! Explore easy strategies, including visual aids, daily routines, positive reinforcement, and more.
If you’ve had the joy of teaching an Autistic child, you’ll know just how critical a supportive environment can be. But sadly, for so many Autistic kids, the right environment and support measures aren’t in place. And the impact of this is profound - as we know, a child’s experience at school can shape their self-identity in real and lasting ways. So BFFs, today I’m sharing five ways to support Autistic kids in your classroom. I’m sharing some of the resources, experts and questions you can draw upon to build a neurodivergent affirmative classroom. 1. Be Guided by the Experts Who are the greatest experts when it comes to Autism? Autistic people! Listening to the lived experience of Autistic people is paramount. The Autistic voice needs to inform any work to implement accommodations or supportive practices. So, to kick us off, I reached out to Cherie Clonan - a proud AUDHD’er (that’s Autism + ADHD) and Mum to an amazing Autistic son. She explained, “The biggest thing is that every Autistic experience is different. And therefore, learning experiences will be affected differently. Every single day an Autistic child goes to school they are heading into an environment not really set up to include their neurotype, no matter how inclusive the school is.” “The environment alone isn't designed for neurodistinct individuals, like the sensory overwhelm of a classroom or playground. The changing rules and expectations. The social communication challenges. Autistic children are impacted from a mental health and wellbeing perspective, and many have to ‘mask’ in order to survive.” There are so many wonderful Autistic folk online who are proud and keen to be advocates in this space. Never underestimate the value of a simple convo when it comes to understanding others’ lived experiences. Reach out to your Autistic mates and ask their thoughts on school, you’ll learn so much. The importance of a personalised approach and understanding was backed up for me, as I chatted to Support Education Consultant, Jenni Heffernan. She said, “The biggest trap for teachers is to generalise their understanding of Autism, instead of understanding the individual. You can’t just plonk Autistic kids into an artificial classroom and expect them to be motivated. The more you know the individual the more you can support them.” 2. Seek Trusted Professionals In addition to the expertise of everyday Autistic people, there are some fantastic professionals who work in this space. And when it comes to building safe and supportive classrooms, engaging professional support is so important. One Autistic person who does incredible work in this field is Sonny Jane Wise, aka livedexperienceeducator. BFFs, I can’t recommend their work enough - take some time to check out, support and engage their offerings. It’ll be a game-changer for you, no doubt about it! Another powerhouse is Sandhya Menon. She’s a Neurodivergent Paediatric Psychologist, and much like Sonny, she has online resources, workshops and services that are just groundbreakingly good. If you’re looking for fantastic professionals in your local area, my hot tip is this: pay close attention to the language they use. Do they talk about Autistic traits or challenges as deficits? Do they use problematic and outdated terms like ‘Aspergers’ or ‘high-functioning?’ These are red flags, my friends! Neurodivergent affirmative practitioners will be deeply conscious of the language they use and will advocate for others to do the same. Sandhya Menon, @onwardsandupwardspsych. 3. Consider Sensory Needs and Dysfunction Thankfully, the awareness that Autistic kids have specialised sensory needs is growing each year. And every day I see your gorgeous classrooms fill my feed with breakout spaces, sensory play stations and sensory tools like the ones Sonny describes below. Sonny Jane Wise, @livedexperienceeducator But there’s more we can do! After thirty years in Support Education, Consultant Jenni Heffernan shared some simple accommodations that made the world of difference for her students. She said: Ask your student and their parents to send you an introduction letter outlining the ways they like to be supported. Provide prompts like ‘I learn best when…’ or ‘You’ll notice I’m stressed by…’ or ‘My current passion is….’ Invite your students to visit the classroom before they settle into it. Ask their feedback on air conditioning, light, seats, visual clutter and more. Similarly, for older students, invite them to choose the ideal spot in an exam room. Speak with examiners to advocate for your students. For some students, the middle of the room is hell! The right space will make all the difference to their performance. Provide a green card or a symbol that signals, for example, that the student needs to walk outside around the building twice. Wordless aides can help when a meltdown or overwhelm is building. Above all else, build strong relationships with students with Autism, and keep an open door for them to pop in as needed. They can often feel so trapped in an environment that’s a poor fit. From my own resources, I’ve found that the Home Routine and Daily Schedule Cards, and the Visual Timetable Displays can be really useful for Autistic students. Planned, controlled and consistent environments can often be super helpful for kids with Autism. Image via @learningwithmiss_campbell, featuring the Spotty Brights product range. Similarly, the Voice Level Displays and Hand Signals can help with the management of noise, which is so important for an Austistic-friendly classroom. Hand Signals and Voice Level Displays can help cut through the noise that can be truly unsettling for some Autistic kiddos. Images via @misslass_class and @thanyoungeducator, using Spotty Neutrals and Boho Rainbow ranges. For many Autistic kids, routine, predictability and clarity are essential for their happiness, security and success in the classroom. These visual displays can play a small but mighty part in that! 4. Educate Yourself about Differences In addition to sensory needs, there’s a range of experiences that Autistic people can face, and knowing how to support these experiences will make a major impact. I’ve popped together a little list of these differences, linking to some amazing content from people with lived experience or specialised expertise. So, here are some common Autistic differences and traits to learn about, via the amazing @onwardsandupwardspsych and @livedexperienceeducator: Interoception and the tendency to be undersensitive to hunger, thirst or tiredness cues Hyposensitivity and hypersensitivity to sensory input and how to manage them The triggers and causes of meltdowns Emotion coaching to recognise that neurotypical and autistic children display emotions differently How to recognise meltdowns vs tantrums Monotropism, a processing style of hyperfocus which makes switching focus tricky Now, of course, it bears repeating that none of these experiences or strategies will fit all Autistic kids. And there are so many more differences to learn about. Like… *checks notes*... absolutely-every-human-ever, we all take time to learn who we are, how we thrive and what we need. Ms Chyna has such a gorgeous IG account sharing the ways she supports primary kids in support education. Source: @especiallysped When I think back (with horror!) at how little time my uni degree devoted to neurodiversity, it really drives home the need for self-led education. There’s so much we can learn from each other too. I reached out via IG stories recently to ask you guys about your approaches, and your responses were fantastic. I’ll share one below. I always love hearing your approach, and the lovely Ami from @mumma_makeup_and_me shared some of her thoughts over on IG. 5. Celebrate Neurodiversity Every human is completely unique - irrespective of where they lie with neurodiversity. But as I chatted to parents, teachers and Autistic folk, there were some descriptive words that just came up again and again - passionate, loyal, empathetic, detailed, and funny. There is so much to celebrate when it comes to neurodistinct kids - whether it’s their creativity, enthusiasm, analytic thinking, tangential thinking - the list is endless. Cherie put it best when she said “Autistic children have intense special interests, which can positively impact not only their own learning experiences ... but that of their peers as well. If you've ever wanted a classmate to go on an incredible adventure to deeply unpack the educational curriculum? Buddy them up with an Autistic child who has an intense special interest within that area.” I have to say, throughout writing this blog post, there was one thing that kept coming to mind - and that was elephants. (Bear with me on this one BFFs!) I kept coming back to the thought that you can tether a circus elephant - capable of clearing trees in the wild - to a thin pole if they’re conditioned the right way. They can go their whole lives not knowing the power they have. And I see our classrooms as having that same kind of potential. The wrong environment tethers kids to the belief that there’s something ‘wrong’ with them or that they’re inherently flawed. But with the right support and neurodiversity affirming practices, we rip those thin poles out. We help kids unleash their true potential.After all, helping students see their strengths clearly and their differences without judgement is my favourite teaching superpower. Another must-follow and a beautiful note to end on. Source: The amazing Esther at @gatherandplayau.
This printable resource is designed specifically for swim instructors teaching Autistic children during swim lessons. It is a NO-PREP resource and gives swim instructors a better understanding of Autism and how to teach in a neuro-affirming way. Made for pre-K and elementary school students. Benefits Enhanced understanding of Autism for swim instructors Effective strategies for teaching Autistic children in a neuro-affirming way Made for Pre-K and Elementary students, but can be modified to use with older students, too! No prep for easy implementation! Simply print the handout and give to the swim instructor to incorporate into their lessons for Autistic students. This resource will help create a more inclusive and supportive environment during swim lessons. Related Products Bus Driver Neuro-affirming Autism Acceptance Handout How to contact the store owner Social Links: Follow me on Instagram Follow link to TPT store: Empowering Speech Services
Teachers, are you seeking ways to better support autistic learners? Explore these research-based tips designed to create positive and inclusive classroom environments. #SpecialEducation #AutismAwareness
Have you been curious about how to set up your elementary autistic support classroom? Join me as I give you a
If you’ve had the joy of teaching an Autistic child, you’ll know just how critical a supportive environment can be. But sadly, for so many Autistic kids, the right environment and support measures aren’t in place. And the impact of this is profound - as we know, a child’s experience at school can shape their self-identity in real and lasting ways. So BFFs, today I’m sharing five ways to support Autistic kids in your classroom. I’m sharing some of the resources, experts and questions you can draw upon to build a neurodivergent affirmative classroom. 1. Be Guided by the Experts Who are the greatest experts when it comes to Autism? Autistic people! Listening to the lived experience of Autistic people is paramount. The Autistic voice needs to inform any work to implement accommodations or supportive practices. So, to kick us off, I reached out to Cherie Clonan - a proud AUDHD’er (that’s Autism + ADHD) and Mum to an amazing Autistic son. She explained, “The biggest thing is that every Autistic experience is different. And therefore, learning experiences will be affected differently. Every single day an Autistic child goes to school they are heading into an environment not really set up to include their neurotype, no matter how inclusive the school is.” “The environment alone isn't designed for neurodistinct individuals, like the sensory overwhelm of a classroom or playground. The changing rules and expectations. The social communication challenges. Autistic children are impacted from a mental health and wellbeing perspective, and many have to ‘mask’ in order to survive.” There are so many wonderful Autistic folk online who are proud and keen to be advocates in this space. Never underestimate the value of a simple convo when it comes to understanding others’ lived experiences. Reach out to your Autistic mates and ask their thoughts on school, you’ll learn so much. The importance of a personalised approach and understanding was backed up for me, as I chatted to Support Education Consultant, Jenni Heffernan. She said, “The biggest trap for teachers is to generalise their understanding of Autism, instead of understanding the individual. You can’t just plonk Autistic kids into an artificial classroom and expect them to be motivated. The more you know the individual the more you can support them.” 2. Seek Trusted Professionals In addition to the expertise of everyday Autistic people, there are some fantastic professionals who work in this space. And when it comes to building safe and supportive classrooms, engaging professional support is so important. One Autistic person who does incredible work in this field is Sonny Jane Wise, aka livedexperienceeducator. BFFs, I can’t recommend their work enough - take some time to check out, support and engage their offerings. It’ll be a game-changer for you, no doubt about it! Another powerhouse is Sandhya Menon. She’s a Neurodivergent Paediatric Psychologist, and much like Sonny, she has online resources, workshops and services that are just groundbreakingly good. If you’re looking for fantastic professionals in your local area, my hot tip is this: pay close attention to the language they use. Do they talk about Autistic traits or challenges as deficits? Do they use problematic and outdated terms like ‘Aspergers’ or ‘high-functioning?’ These are red flags, my friends! Neurodivergent affirmative practitioners will be deeply conscious of the language they use and will advocate for others to do the same. Sandhya Menon, @onwardsandupwardspsych. 3. Consider Sensory Needs and Dysfunction Thankfully, the awareness that Autistic kids have specialised sensory needs is growing each year. And every day I see your gorgeous classrooms fill my feed with breakout spaces, sensory play stations and sensory tools like the ones Sonny describes below. Sonny Jane Wise, @livedexperienceeducator But there’s more we can do! After thirty years in Support Education, Consultant Jenni Heffernan shared some simple accommodations that made the world of difference for her students. She said: Ask your student and their parents to send you an introduction letter outlining the ways they like to be supported. Provide prompts like ‘I learn best when…’ or ‘You’ll notice I’m stressed by…’ or ‘My current passion is….’ Invite your students to visit the classroom before they settle into it. Ask their feedback on air conditioning, light, seats, visual clutter and more. Similarly, for older students, invite them to choose the ideal spot in an exam room. Speak with examiners to advocate for your students. For some students, the middle of the room is hell! The right space will make all the difference to their performance. Provide a green card or a symbol that signals, for example, that the student needs to walk outside around the building twice. Wordless aides can help when a meltdown or overwhelm is building. Above all else, build strong relationships with students with Autism, and keep an open door for them to pop in as needed. They can often feel so trapped in an environment that’s a poor fit. From my own resources, I’ve found that the Home Routine and Daily Schedule Cards, and the Visual Timetable Displays can be really useful for Autistic students. Planned, controlled and consistent environments can often be super helpful for kids with Autism. Image via @learningwithmiss_campbell, featuring the Spotty Brights product range. Similarly, the Voice Level Displays and Hand Signals can help with the management of noise, which is so important for an Austistic-friendly classroom. Hand Signals and Voice Level Displays can help cut through the noise that can be truly unsettling for some Autistic kiddos. Images via @misslass_class and @thanyoungeducator, using Spotty Neutrals and Boho Rainbow ranges. For many Autistic kids, routine, predictability and clarity are essential for their happiness, security and success in the classroom. These visual displays can play a small but mighty part in that! 4. Educate Yourself about Differences In addition to sensory needs, there’s a range of experiences that Autistic people can face, and knowing how to support these experiences will make a major impact. I’ve popped together a little list of these differences, linking to some amazing content from people with lived experience or specialised expertise. So, here are some common Autistic differences and traits to learn about, via the amazing @onwardsandupwardspsych and @livedexperienceeducator: Interoception and the tendency to be undersensitive to hunger, thirst or tiredness cues Hyposensitivity and hypersensitivity to sensory input and how to manage them The triggers and causes of meltdowns Emotion coaching to recognise that neurotypical and autistic children display emotions differently How to recognise meltdowns vs tantrums Monotropism, a processing style of hyperfocus which makes switching focus tricky Now, of course, it bears repeating that none of these experiences or strategies will fit all Autistic kids. And there are so many more differences to learn about. Like… *checks notes*... absolutely-every-human-ever, we all take time to learn who we are, how we thrive and what we need. Ms Chyna has such a gorgeous IG account sharing the ways she supports primary kids in support education. Source: @especiallysped When I think back (with horror!) at how little time my uni degree devoted to neurodiversity, it really drives home the need for self-led education. There’s so much we can learn from each other too. I reached out via IG stories recently to ask you guys about your approaches, and your responses were fantastic. I’ll share one below. I always love hearing your approach, and the lovely Ami from @mumma_makeup_and_me shared some of her thoughts over on IG. 5. Celebrate Neurodiversity Every human is completely unique - irrespective of where they lie with neurodiversity. But as I chatted to parents, teachers and Autistic folk, there were some descriptive words that just came up again and again - passionate, loyal, empathetic, detailed, and funny. There is so much to celebrate when it comes to neurodistinct kids - whether it’s their creativity, enthusiasm, analytic thinking, tangential thinking - the list is endless. Cherie put it best when she said “Autistic children have intense special interests, which can positively impact not only their own learning experiences ... but that of their peers as well. If you've ever wanted a classmate to go on an incredible adventure to deeply unpack the educational curriculum? Buddy them up with an Autistic child who has an intense special interest within that area.” I have to say, throughout writing this blog post, there was one thing that kept coming to mind - and that was elephants. (Bear with me on this one BFFs!) I kept coming back to the thought that you can tether a circus elephant - capable of clearing trees in the wild - to a thin pole if they’re conditioned the right way. They can go their whole lives not knowing the power they have. And I see our classrooms as having that same kind of potential. The wrong environment tethers kids to the belief that there’s something ‘wrong’ with them or that they’re inherently flawed. But with the right support and neurodiversity affirming practices, we rip those thin poles out. We help kids unleash their true potential.After all, helping students see their strengths clearly and their differences without judgement is my favourite teaching superpower. Another must-follow and a beautiful note to end on. Source: The amazing Esther at @gatherandplayau.
Want the best methods for teaching a nonverbal autistic student? Here are 15 neurodiversity-affirming strategies for non-speaking kids.
Whether you’re looking for daily routine charts to use in the classroom, need free printables to use at home, or want ideas to inspire your own DIY daily and weekly visual schedules for autistic children, we’ve got the best tips and 25 visual schedules for children with autism you don’t want to miss.
Have you been curious about how to set up your elementary autistic support classroom? Join me as I give you a
What’s the best way to teach children to read? According to the National Reading Panel, “teaching children to manipulate phonemes in words was highly effective under a variety of teaching conditions…
Use these Brushing + Combing Visual Sequence cards for hygiene and personal self care routines. It walks the learner or individual through the steps of brushing or combing their hair as a hygiene routine. Task analyses, checklists, and visual supports like these are an evidence-based teaching strategy & support for autistic individuals. Individuals can learn, practice, and use sequence cards as a visual reminder and reference. Covers brushing hair and combing hair as their own sequences. Objective: Individuals will use this visual support as they work on personal hygiene goals, daily living skills, and practice. SUGGESTED USES: While you can use these cards in a variety of ways at home, some suggested uses are included below: Teaching life skills & hygiene routines Practicing routines Focusing on a specific component of a routine Reminders Re-teaching and supporting certain skills Building habits through routines Daily routines Person-centered plan goals Community-based services You can email us at [email protected] if you have any feedback, questions, and/or requests for resources. What's Inside? Resource Guide About the Resource Using the Resource Resource Walkthrough Printable Sequence Cards 9 Visual Sequence Cards with real photos for Brushing Hair 9 Visual Sequence Cards with real photos for Combing Hair Digital + Editable Sequence Cards Google Link + PowerPoint Editable in the digital versions 9 Visual Sequence Cards with real photos for Brushing Hair 9 Visual Sequence Cards with real photos for Combing Hair Sequence Board Printable Board (6 layouts) Digital + Editable Board Google Link + PowerPoint 6 layouts
Are you looking for free printable worksheets for autism? Or how about free American Sign Language printables? While it may not have been the initial primary focus, one of the focuses has always been to
Autism can affect the way a child learns, but you can successfully teach reading and spelling to a child with autism—check out these 6 tips!
Contenu: TOUS NOS DOCUMENTS SONT AU FORMAT PDF A TELECHARGER, IMPRIMER ET PLASTIFIER. 22 fiches situations 1 procédure pour guider l'intervenant lors des premiers essais Tableaux d'évaluations pour visualiser les progressions
If you’ve had the joy of teaching an Autistic child, you’ll know just how critical a supportive environment can be. But sadly, for so many Autistic kids, the right environment and support measures aren’t in place. And the impact of this is profound - as we know, a child’s experience at school can shape their self-identity in real and lasting ways. So BFFs, today I’m sharing five ways to support Autistic kids in your classroom. I’m sharing some of the resources, experts and questions you can draw upon to build a neurodivergent affirmative classroom. 1. Be Guided by the Experts Who are the greatest experts when it comes to Autism? Autistic people! Listening to the lived experience of Autistic people is paramount. The Autistic voice needs to inform any work to implement accommodations or supportive practices. So, to kick us off, I reached out to Cherie Clonan - a proud AUDHD’er (that’s Autism + ADHD) and Mum to an amazing Autistic son. She explained, “The biggest thing is that every Autistic experience is different. And therefore, learning experiences will be affected differently. Every single day an Autistic child goes to school they are heading into an environment not really set up to include their neurotype, no matter how inclusive the school is.” “The environment alone isn't designed for neurodistinct individuals, like the sensory overwhelm of a classroom or playground. The changing rules and expectations. The social communication challenges. Autistic children are impacted from a mental health and wellbeing perspective, and many have to ‘mask’ in order to survive.” There are so many wonderful Autistic folk online who are proud and keen to be advocates in this space. Never underestimate the value of a simple convo when it comes to understanding others’ lived experiences. Reach out to your Autistic mates and ask their thoughts on school, you’ll learn so much. The importance of a personalised approach and understanding was backed up for me, as I chatted to Support Education Consultant, Jenni Heffernan. She said, “The biggest trap for teachers is to generalise their understanding of Autism, instead of understanding the individual. You can’t just plonk Autistic kids into an artificial classroom and expect them to be motivated. The more you know the individual the more you can support them.” 2. Seek Trusted Professionals In addition to the expertise of everyday Autistic people, there are some fantastic professionals who work in this space. And when it comes to building safe and supportive classrooms, engaging professional support is so important. One Autistic person who does incredible work in this field is Sonny Jane Wise, aka livedexperienceeducator. BFFs, I can’t recommend their work enough - take some time to check out, support and engage their offerings. It’ll be a game-changer for you, no doubt about it! Another powerhouse is Sandhya Menon. She’s a Neurodivergent Paediatric Psychologist, and much like Sonny, she has online resources, workshops and services that are just groundbreakingly good. If you’re looking for fantastic professionals in your local area, my hot tip is this: pay close attention to the language they use. Do they talk about Autistic traits or challenges as deficits? Do they use problematic and outdated terms like ‘Aspergers’ or ‘high-functioning?’ These are red flags, my friends! Neurodivergent affirmative practitioners will be deeply conscious of the language they use and will advocate for others to do the same. Sandhya Menon, @onwardsandupwardspsych. 3. Consider Sensory Needs and Dysfunction Thankfully, the awareness that Autistic kids have specialised sensory needs is growing each year. And every day I see your gorgeous classrooms fill my feed with breakout spaces, sensory play stations and sensory tools like the ones Sonny describes below. Sonny Jane Wise, @livedexperienceeducator But there’s more we can do! After thirty years in Support Education, Consultant Jenni Heffernan shared some simple accommodations that made the world of difference for her students. She said: Ask your student and their parents to send you an introduction letter outlining the ways they like to be supported. Provide prompts like ‘I learn best when…’ or ‘You’ll notice I’m stressed by…’ or ‘My current passion is….’ Invite your students to visit the classroom before they settle into it. Ask their feedback on air conditioning, light, seats, visual clutter and more. Similarly, for older students, invite them to choose the ideal spot in an exam room. Speak with examiners to advocate for your students. For some students, the middle of the room is hell! The right space will make all the difference to their performance. Provide a green card or a symbol that signals, for example, that the student needs to walk outside around the building twice. Wordless aides can help when a meltdown or overwhelm is building. Above all else, build strong relationships with students with Autism, and keep an open door for them to pop in as needed. They can often feel so trapped in an environment that’s a poor fit. From my own resources, I’ve found that the Home Routine and Daily Schedule Cards, and the Visual Timetable Displays can be really useful for Autistic students. Planned, controlled and consistent environments can often be super helpful for kids with Autism. Image via @learningwithmiss_campbell, featuring the Spotty Brights product range. Similarly, the Voice Level Displays and Hand Signals can help with the management of noise, which is so important for an Austistic-friendly classroom. Hand Signals and Voice Level Displays can help cut through the noise that can be truly unsettling for some Autistic kiddos. Images via @misslass_class and @thanyoungeducator, using Spotty Neutrals and Boho Rainbow ranges. For many Autistic kids, routine, predictability and clarity are essential for their happiness, security and success in the classroom. These visual displays can play a small but mighty part in that! 4. Educate Yourself about Differences In addition to sensory needs, there’s a range of experiences that Autistic people can face, and knowing how to support these experiences will make a major impact. I’ve popped together a little list of these differences, linking to some amazing content from people with lived experience or specialised expertise. So, here are some common Autistic differences and traits to learn about, via the amazing @onwardsandupwardspsych and @livedexperienceeducator: Interoception and the tendency to be undersensitive to hunger, thirst or tiredness cues Hyposensitivity and hypersensitivity to sensory input and how to manage them The triggers and causes of meltdowns Emotion coaching to recognise that neurotypical and autistic children display emotions differently How to recognise meltdowns vs tantrums Monotropism, a processing style of hyperfocus which makes switching focus tricky Now, of course, it bears repeating that none of these experiences or strategies will fit all Autistic kids. And there are so many more differences to learn about. Like… *checks notes*... absolutely-every-human-ever, we all take time to learn who we are, how we thrive and what we need. Ms Chyna has such a gorgeous IG account sharing the ways she supports primary kids in support education. Source: @especiallysped When I think back (with horror!) at how little time my uni degree devoted to neurodiversity, it really drives home the need for self-led education. There’s so much we can learn from each other too. I reached out via IG stories recently to ask you guys about your approaches, and your responses were fantastic. I’ll share one below. I always love hearing your approach, and the lovely Ami from @mumma_makeup_and_me shared some of her thoughts over on IG. 5. Celebrate Neurodiversity Every human is completely unique - irrespective of where they lie with neurodiversity. But as I chatted to parents, teachers and Autistic folk, there were some descriptive words that just came up again and again - passionate, loyal, empathetic, detailed, and funny. There is so much to celebrate when it comes to neurodistinct kids - whether it’s their creativity, enthusiasm, analytic thinking, tangential thinking - the list is endless. Cherie put it best when she said “Autistic children have intense special interests, which can positively impact not only their own learning experiences ... but that of their peers as well. If you've ever wanted a classmate to go on an incredible adventure to deeply unpack the educational curriculum? Buddy them up with an Autistic child who has an intense special interest within that area.” I have to say, throughout writing this blog post, there was one thing that kept coming to mind - and that was elephants. (Bear with me on this one BFFs!) I kept coming back to the thought that you can tether a circus elephant - capable of clearing trees in the wild - to a thin pole if they’re conditioned the right way. They can go their whole lives not knowing the power they have. And I see our classrooms as having that same kind of potential. The wrong environment tethers kids to the belief that there’s something ‘wrong’ with them or that they’re inherently flawed. But with the right support and neurodiversity affirming practices, we rip those thin poles out. We help kids unleash their true potential.After all, helping students see their strengths clearly and their differences without judgement is my favourite teaching superpower. Another must-follow and a beautiful note to end on. Source: The amazing Esther at @gatherandplayau.
Social Skills Social Story Bundle Support for Kid with ADHD and Autism Spectrum. Offers visual support for ABA therapy and Autism parent help. These stories for life skills offers visual schedules for social emotional support (SEL) and ABA therapy tools for a practical approach to teaching essential social and emotional skills to individuals, especially those with autism or other developmental challenges. These stories utilize clear, relatable narratives to illustrate everyday situations, helping learners understand social cues, appropriate behaviors, and problem-solving strategies. By integrating visual supports and concrete examples, this bundle aids in reinforcing critical life skills such as communication, self-regulation, and personal responsibility. Each story is designed to foster independence and confidence, making it a valuable resource for educators, therapists, and families. 11 Social Stories for instant download including; - Going Back to School - Using Good Manners - Good Sportsmanship - Good Hygiene - Personal Space - Making Good Choices when Angry - Sensory Overload - Taking Turns - Trying new Food - Getting upset at School - Emotional Regulation Social stories are beneficial for individuals, especially for Autism Little Learner, for several reasons: 1. Visual Support 2. Predictability and Routine 3. Concrete Guidance 4. Empathy and Perspective-taking 5. Customization 6. Repetition and Reinforcement Overall, social stories are effective tools for promoting social understanding, communication skills, and adaptive behavior in individuals with autism and other developmental differences. They empower individuals to navigate social situations with reduced anxiety, greater confidence and success. REVIEWS Laura - United Kingdom Absolutely chuffed to its with all of this. Just what I needed, great resources that I highly recommend. I intend to use them in my work do to some staff training. These are engaging and exciting and I can't wait to get them printed off. Elise - United States of America "I have been looking for great visuals to encourage better understanding of Autism for a while, am so happy I have found your site. ABOUT US Spectrum Support therapy worksheets, posters and prints provide instant support for Autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma and mental health. Excellent resources for teachers, parents, therapists, carers or anyone who would like to have more Autism or ADHD Awareness or who needs a little extra support. Follow or subscribe to get discounts and latest information. INSTANT DOWNLOAD Delivered via PDF for Digital Download only Once downloaded, you can print at your own home or take it to your preferred print shop or have it printed online. NOTES · Colors may vary depending on your screen · No materials nor frame are included for this · Any issues please contact Spectrum Support COPYRIGHT All designs are copyrighted and property of Spectrum Support. You could face legal action if you reproduce or resell these designs/pages. By purchasing these you don't acquire any copyright or reproduction rights. Any form of duplication, distribution or reselling for commercial purposes is prohibited. This item is for single use only, unless multiple licences are purchased.
How to teach an autistic child to write (17 tips). After 20 years working with children with autism, these are my best writing tips!
Use these Taking a Shower Visual Sequence cards for hygiene and personal self care routines. It walks the learner or individual through the steps of showering as a hygiene routine. Task analyses, checklists, and visual supports like these are an evidence-based teaching strategy & support for autistic individuals. Individuals can learn, practice, and use sequence cards as a visual reminder and reference. Objective: Individuals will use this visual support as they work on personal hygiene goals, daily living skills, and practice. WHAT’S INSIDE Resource Guide About the Resource Using the Resource Resource Walkthrough Printable Sequence Cards 20 Visual Sequence Cards with real photos Digital + Editable Sequence Cards Google Slides Link + PowerPoint Editable in the digital versions 20 Visual Sequence Cards with real photos Sequence Board Printable Board (6 layouts) Digital + Editable Board Google Slides Link + PowerPoint 6 layouts SUGGESTED USES: While you can use these cards in a variety of ways at home, some suggested uses are included below: Teaching life skills & hygiene routines Practicing routines Focusing on a specific component of a routine Reminders Re-teaching and supporting certain skills Building habits through routines Daily routines Person-centered plan goals Community-based services You can email us at [email protected] if you have any feedback, questions, and/or requests for resources.
Classroom schedules are one of the most difficult things a special educator has to do. See how I use schedules in my elementary AS classroom!
Use these booklets for daily living and household routines. It walks the learner or individual through the steps of folding and putting away laundry. The booklets provide a 1-idea-per-page strategy for individuals who need and benefit from this type of design for processing. Task analyses, checklists, and visual supports like these are an evidence-based teaching strategy & support for autistic individuals and others who may benefit from additional support. Individuals can learn, practice, and use this visual step-by-step guide as a visual reminder and reference. Objective: Individuals will use this visual support as they learn daily living and life skills, along with continued practice. WHAT’S INSIDE Resource Guide About the Resource Using the Resource Resource Walkthrough Types of Booklets Fold and Put Away Laundry booklet PDF Fold Towels booklet PDF Fold Clothes booklet PDF Printable Booklets 6-18 page PDF booklets Digital + Editable Booklets Google Link + PowerPoint Editable in the digital versions SUGGESTED USES: While you can use these booklets in a variety of ways at home, in the classroom, and in the community, some suggested uses are included below: Teaching cleaning and household chores Practicing routines Focusing on a specific component of a routine Reminders Re-teaching and supporting certain skills Daily routines Person-centered plan goals Community-based services Life skills instruction You can email us at [email protected] if you have any feedback, questions, and/or requests for resources.
Are you looking to refresh your autism schedule? Do you know where to start? Here's a dive into my daily schedule in an autism classroom!
Hyperlexia resources for parents and educators, including hyperlexia teaching strategies and hyperlexia intervention strategies
If you’ve had the joy of teaching an Autistic child, you’ll know just how critical a supportive environment can be. But sadly, for so many Autistic kids, the right environment and support measures aren’t in place. And the impact of this is profound - as we know, a child’s experience at school can shape their self-identity in real and lasting ways. So BFFs, today I’m sharing five ways to support Autistic kids in your classroom. I’m sharing some of the resources, experts and questions you can draw upon to build a neurodivergent affirmative classroom. 1. Be Guided by the Experts Who are the greatest experts when it comes to Autism? Autistic people! Listening to the lived experience of Autistic people is paramount. The Autistic voice needs to inform any work to implement accommodations or supportive practices. So, to kick us off, I reached out to Cherie Clonan - a proud AUDHD’er (that’s Autism + ADHD) and Mum to an amazing Autistic son. She explained, “The biggest thing is that every Autistic experience is different. And therefore, learning experiences will be affected differently. Every single day an Autistic child goes to school they are heading into an environment not really set up to include their neurotype, no matter how inclusive the school is.” “The environment alone isn't designed for neurodistinct individuals, like the sensory overwhelm of a classroom or playground. The changing rules and expectations. The social communication challenges. Autistic children are impacted from a mental health and wellbeing perspective, and many have to ‘mask’ in order to survive.” There are so many wonderful Autistic folk online who are proud and keen to be advocates in this space. Never underestimate the value of a simple convo when it comes to understanding others’ lived experiences. Reach out to your Autistic mates and ask their thoughts on school, you’ll learn so much. The importance of a personalised approach and understanding was backed up for me, as I chatted to Support Education Consultant, Jenni Heffernan. She said, “The biggest trap for teachers is to generalise their understanding of Autism, instead of understanding the individual. You can’t just plonk Autistic kids into an artificial classroom and expect them to be motivated. The more you know the individual the more you can support them.” 2. Seek Trusted Professionals In addition to the expertise of everyday Autistic people, there are some fantastic professionals who work in this space. And when it comes to building safe and supportive classrooms, engaging professional support is so important. One Autistic person who does incredible work in this field is Sonny Jane Wise, aka livedexperienceeducator. BFFs, I can’t recommend their work enough - take some time to check out, support and engage their offerings. It’ll be a game-changer for you, no doubt about it! Another powerhouse is Sandhya Menon. She’s a Neurodivergent Paediatric Psychologist, and much like Sonny, she has online resources, workshops and services that are just groundbreakingly good. If you’re looking for fantastic professionals in your local area, my hot tip is this: pay close attention to the language they use. Do they talk about Autistic traits or challenges as deficits? Do they use problematic and outdated terms like ‘Aspergers’ or ‘high-functioning?’ These are red flags, my friends! Neurodivergent affirmative practitioners will be deeply conscious of the language they use and will advocate for others to do the same. Sandhya Menon, @onwardsandupwardspsych. 3. Consider Sensory Needs and Dysfunction Thankfully, the awareness that Autistic kids have specialised sensory needs is growing each year. And every day I see your gorgeous classrooms fill my feed with breakout spaces, sensory play stations and sensory tools like the ones Sonny describes below. Sonny Jane Wise, @livedexperienceeducator But there’s more we can do! After thirty years in Support Education, Consultant Jenni Heffernan shared some simple accommodations that made the world of difference for her students. She said: Ask your student and their parents to send you an introduction letter outlining the ways they like to be supported. Provide prompts like ‘I learn best when…’ or ‘You’ll notice I’m stressed by…’ or ‘My current passion is….’ Invite your students to visit the classroom before they settle into it. Ask their feedback on air conditioning, light, seats, visual clutter and more. Similarly, for older students, invite them to choose the ideal spot in an exam room. Speak with examiners to advocate for your students. For some students, the middle of the room is hell! The right space will make all the difference to their performance. Provide a green card or a symbol that signals, for example, that the student needs to walk outside around the building twice. Wordless aides can help when a meltdown or overwhelm is building. Above all else, build strong relationships with students with Autism, and keep an open door for them to pop in as needed. They can often feel so trapped in an environment that’s a poor fit. From my own resources, I’ve found that the Home Routine and Daily Schedule Cards, and the Visual Timetable Displays can be really useful for Autistic students. Planned, controlled and consistent environments can often be super helpful for kids with Autism. Image via @learningwithmiss_campbell, featuring the Spotty Brights product range. Similarly, the Voice Level Displays and Hand Signals can help with the management of noise, which is so important for an Austistic-friendly classroom. Hand Signals and Voice Level Displays can help cut through the noise that can be truly unsettling for some Autistic kiddos. Images via @misslass_class and @thanyoungeducator, using Spotty Neutrals and Boho Rainbow ranges. For many Autistic kids, routine, predictability and clarity are essential for their happiness, security and success in the classroom. These visual displays can play a small but mighty part in that! 4. Educate Yourself about Differences In addition to sensory needs, there’s a range of experiences that Autistic people can face, and knowing how to support these experiences will make a major impact. I’ve popped together a little list of these differences, linking to some amazing content from people with lived experience or specialised expertise. So, here are some common Autistic differences and traits to learn about, via the amazing @onwardsandupwardspsych and @livedexperienceeducator: Interoception and the tendency to be undersensitive to hunger, thirst or tiredness cues Hyposensitivity and hypersensitivity to sensory input and how to manage them The triggers and causes of meltdowns Emotion coaching to recognise that neurotypical and autistic children display emotions differently How to recognise meltdowns vs tantrums Monotropism, a processing style of hyperfocus which makes switching focus tricky Now, of course, it bears repeating that none of these experiences or strategies will fit all Autistic kids. And there are so many more differences to learn about. Like… *checks notes*... absolutely-every-human-ever, we all take time to learn who we are, how we thrive and what we need. Ms Chyna has such a gorgeous IG account sharing the ways she supports primary kids in support education. Source: @especiallysped When I think back (with horror!) at how little time my uni degree devoted to neurodiversity, it really drives home the need for self-led education. There’s so much we can learn from each other too. I reached out via IG stories recently to ask you guys about your approaches, and your responses were fantastic. I’ll share one below. I always love hearing your approach, and the lovely Ami from @mumma_makeup_and_me shared some of her thoughts over on IG. 5. Celebrate Neurodiversity Every human is completely unique - irrespective of where they lie with neurodiversity. But as I chatted to parents, teachers and Autistic folk, there were some descriptive words that just came up again and again - passionate, loyal, empathetic, detailed, and funny. There is so much to celebrate when it comes to neurodistinct kids - whether it’s their creativity, enthusiasm, analytic thinking, tangential thinking - the list is endless. Cherie put it best when she said “Autistic children have intense special interests, which can positively impact not only their own learning experiences ... but that of their peers as well. If you've ever wanted a classmate to go on an incredible adventure to deeply unpack the educational curriculum? Buddy them up with an Autistic child who has an intense special interest within that area.” I have to say, throughout writing this blog post, there was one thing that kept coming to mind - and that was elephants. (Bear with me on this one BFFs!) I kept coming back to the thought that you can tether a circus elephant - capable of clearing trees in the wild - to a thin pole if they’re conditioned the right way. They can go their whole lives not knowing the power they have. And I see our classrooms as having that same kind of potential. The wrong environment tethers kids to the belief that there’s something ‘wrong’ with them or that they’re inherently flawed. But with the right support and neurodiversity affirming practices, we rip those thin poles out. We help kids unleash their true potential.After all, helping students see their strengths clearly and their differences without judgement is my favourite teaching superpower. Another must-follow and a beautiful note to end on. Source: The amazing Esther at @gatherandplayau.
Learn how to teach children self-control the right way with this collection of fun yet powerful self-regulation strategies and activities for kids!
No two autistic children are the same, and their autism manifests in different ways. Like every child, autistic children need to be treated as individuals. When it comes to teaching, there are ways to support a child with autism in the classroom #autismsupport #autismawareness #autismparenting #teaching
Are you looking for ways to teach reading comprehension strategies to autistic students? This blog gives you 3 ways to utilize pictures....
One of the most common questions I get asked. 'When Will My Autistic Child Talk?' This is especially common after a diagnosis has been confirmed. And honestly, there’s no answer I can give. Your child mays tart babbling, they may one day talk and never stop talking - they may never talk. This may not
Whether you’re looking for daily routine charts to use in the classroom, need free printables to use at home, or want ideas to inspire your own DIY daily and weekly visual schedules for autistic children, we’ve got the best tips and 25 visual schedules for children with autism you don’t want to miss.
