Autism
COVID 19 has brought huge challenges and changes to all out lives. Autistic learners may find it hard to cope with the uncertainty and significant changes to their routine particularly stressful and challenging.
Below are some strategies and resources you can use to support your child.
Social Stories
Social Stories use stories to explain social situations to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and help them learn socially appropriate behaviour and responses. These stories are sometimes called social scripts, social narratives or story-based interventions.
Visual Timetables
Visual Timetables can help to provide structure and routine, encourage independence, prevent frustration, confusion and anxiety and build confidence. Visual timetables are often used with children who are on the autism spectrum, helping them make sense of everyday life. (For resources see the Visual timetable page in the Home Learning / SEND tab on our website)
Talking Mats
Talking Mats support children and young people to share their views on school or other aspects of their lives using symbols, photographs or pre-written words depending on the age and cognitive ability of the child. They are way of hearing the voice of children who find it hard to access and articulate their feelings, such as children with autism.
Sensory Play
Sensory play can be helpful in regulating and even preventing meltdowns for children with autism or sensory processing disorder. For example, allowing children to independently explore sensory activities can teach them how to calm themselves and self-regulate their emotions. Sensory play also stimulating the brain, creating neural pathways and improving sensory processing systems, improves social skills such as communication and cooperation as well as improving coordination, including fine/gross motor skills.
Below are some helpful links and resources to help you to support your child at this time.
The STARS team support children with Autism. There are a range of resources linked to strategies listed above available on the STARS website. Click the link below to find out more
Founded in 1962, we are the UK's leading charity for autistic people and their families. They work with educational settings, employers, children and families to change attitudes and create a society that works for autistic people. They have resources and links to communities for support and to learn more about autism. Click below to find out more
The documents below have been written since the school closures and have lots of ideas and advice at this time.