Learning to see differently
Effective ‘whole-school’ strategies for pupils on the autism spectrum
AET Training Events 2011 off to a flying start in York
Almost 100 delegates joined us on 10th February for the inaugural training event of the 2011 season. The day was a great success with professionals and parents alike leaving uplifted, encouraged and inspired. Presentation sessions were delivered by leading professionals in the field of autism education, one-to-one advisory clinics were held for delegates with more specific questions throughout the day and the event was rounded off with an interactive panel discussion.
Comments from delegates on the day included:
“Excellent for parents and professionals because of the understanding of the speakers.”
“A worthwhile day offering not just knowledge but strategies.”
“Excellent sharing of information and good practice where understanding and strategies are shared and input valued.”
PRESENTATIONS EXPLAINED
Jilly Davies from the Robert Ogden School gave a practical and accessible presentation on setting up an autism-friendly classroom environment for children and young people with autism. She talked through the importance of recognising the specific ways autism affects individuals before creating a working environment for that child. Her presentation included practical ‘tools’ to use within the classroom – particularly for transition periods and learning new skills – as well as the things to consider when creating a low-arousal working area of the classroom for individual children.
Gill Capaldi and Karen Baker from the Rotherham Autism Communication Team delivered a presentation on developing peer awareness programmes within schools. Gill explained how the Rotherham team have written, developed and delivered training programmes for schools and parents with a particular focus on enabling schools to continue cascading the information to other members of staff. Gill and Karen explained in some detail the training programmes the Rotherham team has developed to raise peer awareness of autism within schools to combat the feelings of isolation parents of children with autism can feel and the consequence of lack of awareness among pupils within schools. Using anecdotes and quotes from teachers, parents and pupils in the Rotherham area, Karen and Gill demonstrated the difference a little understanding can make.
(The Rotherham Autism Communication Team is the subject of one of our forthcoming case studies on the AET website. Keep checking the Good Practice area of the site for more information.)
Sheila Griffin, a specialist advisory teacher in North Yorkshire, and Jo Clarke, an Education Consultant in the Autism Support Network in North Yorkshire, gave a personal, entertaining and insightful presentation in recognising and combating bullying of pupils with autism. Again, using examples and anecdotes, Sheila talked through the challenges of explaining the definition of bullying to a pupil with autism and the importance of understanding the range of sensory and social issues a young person faces on a daily basis. Schools are busy, crowded and confusing places. Sheila and Jo gave delegates practical advice for dealing with situations of bullying, and perceived bullying, and stressed the importance of making language and actions accessible at all times.
Ronnie Young, an education consultant and trainer, gave a personal account of living with people on the autism spectrum in the context of successfully managing challenging behaviour. The presentation focused on the importance of understanding the triggers of challenging behaviours displayed by individuals. She says, “Challenging behaviour in children on the spectrum is hardly ever deliberate, and that’s because they don’t manipulate.” Her presentation offered practical ways to avoid challenging behaviour as well as some insights into the challenges that young people with autism face in their daily lives.
The day was rounded off with an interactive panel discussion moderated by Jane Vaughan, Director of Education at The National Autistic Society. Presentation speakers were also joined by Alex Stanyer, Director of The Puzzle Centre which is a specialist early years provision in Buckinghamshire. The discussion followed an imaginary child called Sam on his journey through the education system from pre-school to Year 11. Delegates had the opportunity to take part throughout the discussion and found the session an excellent way to share experiences and good practice and pose questions about the challenges that teachers, and the professionals that support them, face when supporting children and young people on the autism spectrum.