Assignment on Autism

Hi everyone, I'm new on here so Hello!!!

I've not long started my NVQ 3 (only on the first unit) but am loving it. I have got to start preparing an assignment on Autism. I have quite a bit of information about what it is but because I have no experience of autism within my setting I am struggling with some basics ... things like settling an autistic child into nursery.

If anyone has any information they could share or websites/books to recommend I'd be really grateful.

Thanks.
Caroline x

[hollyhocks]

Hi, i am not an sen teacher but have recently started working with an autistic child in nursery. He should be in reception but we have started them in nursery first to assess his needs. Each child with autism is different so what will work for one will not work for another. The autistic tange is huge from high functioning to severe ( no speech, agressive etc)
A visual timetable can work with most children as well as a book of photo's detailing their TA, equipment. behaviour etc. Knowing some Makaton may help as this is a very visual way to communicate and reinforces anything you say. Dealing with behaviour can be difficult as you may not be able to do such things as time out because of agression and some of the behaviour may be attention seeking so saying no all the time is what they want. You may need an area for the child to go to that is calm, like a chill out room.
The child i do one to one with does not see other children so will walk through them or on them so other children's safety is paramount. Any time you have a child with autism you need to talk to parents, specialist etc to find out their needs, tiggers etc and then adapt your setting/classroom to suit their needs. Don't set them up to fail by making them sit with every one else at story time. They may find it impossible.
Finally check out the national autistic society web site. Should have lots of information on there.
Hope this helps.

That really helps thank you. It gives me a little more to work with. I had a few ideas along those lines but was afraid of being wrong and looking silly. lol

thanks again for your help
Caroline