A series of web-based resources to support practitioners working with all children and young people on the autism spectrum in both Early Years settings and primary and secondary schools are now available to access on-line. Free DVDs of the resources are also being made available through schools.
The resources are suitable for people with little or no prior knowledge of the autism spectrum and are designed to be used by a person studying on their own or in group training. No doubt the resources will also be of interest to parents and carers of children and young people on the autism spectrum.
The materials include:
• teaching and learning resources
• training information
• guidance on effective classroom strategies
• positive learning outcomes
• models of good practice for multi-disciplinary teams
• information about sources of more specialist advice
The material is brought to life through a series of video clips of children, parents and teachers talking about their personal experiences of autism. Key resources within it include the evaluation tools. These include a self-evaluation questionnaire and a school effectiveness checklist to identify what the practitioner already knows about autism and to what extent the school engages with any pupils on the autism spectrum. There is also a checklist for evaluating the sensory profile of a child. This can provide valuable insight into whether a child might have needs relating to sensory processing, which can help in the vital stages of autism diagnosis.
The resources have been produced under the Inclusion Development Programme (IDP), commissioned by The National Strategies (part of the Department for Children, Schools and Families). The content was developed by Dr Glenys Jones and the team at the Autism Centre for Education and Research at the University of Birmingham.
Dr Jones, also a member of the Autism Education Trust Steering Group said,
“We are pleased to be able to make these essential resources available to everyone. With the age of autism diagnosis lowering, the early years resource in particular could really help practitioners identify traits of the autism spectrum at this crucial stage in a child’s development.”
Early Years Foundation Stage IDP materials:
The section is designed to support practitioners including childminders, and those who work within playgroups, nurseries and children's centres, as well as Early Years Advisory Teachers (EYATs) and trainers providing initial early years and childcare qualifications.
The first module is an introduction to the autism spectrum. Further modules explore autism provision informed by the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) principles. These include subjects such as ‘A unique Child’, ‘Enabling Environments’ and ‘Positive Relationships’.
To access this course and learn more go to their website.
Primary and Secondary IDP Materials:
This section has been designed for all mainstream primary and secondary school staff including teachers, teaching assistants, headteachers, SENCos, leadership teams, Governors and all students training to be teachers as well as initial teacher training (ITT) providers. Beginning with a comprehensive introduction to the Autism Spectrum, the course covers a number of key areas including ‘Flexibility of thought and behaviour’, ‘Social and emotional understanding and ‘Know the pupil’ as well as a section outlining further sources of support.
To access this course and learn more go to their website.
About the Inclusion Development Programme (IDP)
The National Strategies launched the IDP in 2007 to deliver a programme of continuing professional development designed to strengthen the confidence and expertise of staff in mainstream schools and early years settings, to ensure the progress and achievement of pupils with special educational needs. In 2008, the IDP focused on dyslexia and speech, language and communication needs. This year (2009) the focus is on supporting pupils on the autism spectrum.
For more information about the IDP visit their website.