Autistic spectrum disorders (ASD)
Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects the way a person communicates and how they experience the world around them.
How does it affect my child?
Pupils with autism are more likely to need support in various areas of school life including:
- Understanding social interaction
- Understanding verbal and non-verbal clues
- Strategies and adaptations to support individual sensory differences
- Help with emotional regulation and anxiety
- Help to think flexibly and cope with changes
How do I know if my child has autism?
There is no medical test for autism. If you think your child has autism you will need to contact your health visitor, GP or the SENCO in your child's school. If you need help getting a diagnosis for your child more information on how to do this can be found on the National Autistic Society diagnosis pages and NHS website
Where can I get help for my child?
Start by speaking to your child’s SENCO. There is useful information available online:
- British Dyslexia Association has good help support and advice for individuals with Dyslexia and support for their families.
- Dyslexia Assist is a site by parents for parents.
What support is there for schools?
- Learning, Communication and Interaction (LCI) work to support pupils with dyspraxia in school.
- School Support for children with SEND offers information about your school’s responsibilities to all SEND learners.
- Inclusive provision for SEND pupils in mainstream schools (BERA framework)