I recently asked my twitter and facebook networks to share their ideas for small adjustments that make a big difference to autistic children and a HUGE number of great ideas were shared. I’ve embedded the tweet so that you can read the replies as they continue to be added and join the conversation if you’d like to. You can see the responses on facebook here.
AUTISM
— Dr Pooky Knightsmith (@PookyH) July 6, 2022
What small adjustments have the biggest impact when it comes to supporting autistic children?
Here are just a few of the suggestions:
Talk to the child and their parents/carers about the child’s special interests. Things which they find motivating, absorbing and relaxing. Things which help to build relationships and are natural avenues for autonomy, self-advocacy and emotional regulation.
— Dr Chris Moore (@DrChrisMooreEP) July 6, 2022
Strategies to deal with noise. Most students say noises are the absolute worst thing about school & noise causes them the most distress, anger, fear, panic…Noise-cancelling earplugs have made the most massive difference for some & made school do-able again
— Kate Seasman (@KateSeasman_ASC) July 6, 2022
The environment: quiet, ordered, very few displays, no bright lights or smells
— helenshakespeare (@shakespeareH) July 7, 2022
Advance warning: this is what the classroom looks like; this is where you’ll sit; this is what you’ll learn; I’m moving this bookcase from here to there
The language: precise, true, uncomplicated, kind
Talking to them like we actually know our own minds and selves.
— Sophie Williams (@SophWilliams28) July 6, 2022
Too many times I was ignored in conversations about me. I see a lot of facebook posts of what do I do and I ask well what did your kid say and they haven’t asked them. Its infuriating.
We know ourselves!
Time to process information. Sentences which are to the point.
— Mrs Ireland (@KHPA_MrsIreland) July 6, 2022
Few or one instructions at a time.
Ensure all adults working with child aware of their needs, even the ones that wouldn’t normally seem a biggie ‘ a sharp pencil’ ‘snack in bag’ ‘a safe place to go to when feeling overwhelmed’ ‘ quiet space to eat, with no menu changes’ ????
— Mrs R (@lrog11) July 6, 2022
