Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi everyone,
I have been a teacher for several years and teach at a mainstream primary school.
My new class in September will include a child with autism.
Thankfully a statement is already in place for 20hrs support and we have a lovely and experienced TA in place.
I was hoping for some advice on how best to start off my relationship with this child and their family. More focusing on the family really as I know each child with asd is unique and their specific needs, abilities and interests vary.
I know that sending your child to school for the first time is a scary experience in itself. What would you have liked your child's teacher to do, ask or offer?
Is there anything I should avoid? (I'm thinking of the type of 'well-meaning' things which actually cause upset.)
I also have the opportunity to reorganise my classroom completely in September as we are having building work during August. If anyone has any suggestions for spaces I should create in the classroom or things I should avoid that would be great.
My main concern is that this child should have a safe and happy space to explore and grow for their first year in school and that their parents should feel welcomed and supported by our school.
I would say, remember that behaviour that may seem naughty, should not necessarily be treated as naughty. Obviously a child has to learn boundaries whether they are autistic or not, but there will usually be reasons the child is behaving the way they are. It could be sensory, communication, stress of being in school alone can do it. You need to be vigilant to identify the issue so it can be resolved asap to allow the child to calm down.
Ensure you have some PECS cards and social stories ready in case they are needed plus perhaps a visual daily schedule so that they know what's coming and when. Also some ear defenders or earplugs if the child has auditory sensitivity (ask the parents what specific issues s/he has). If the child is overwhelmed eating lunch in a noisy canteen provide an alternative place s/he can eat. Lots of supervision will be necessary at playtimes as well as social support. Autistic children are easily taken advantage of by NT children.
Don't assume the child isn't listening if they are not looking directly at you, some autistics find eye contact difficult.
Shouting at an autistic child is usually very distressing, please bear this in mind as I have encountered quite a few shouting teachers before.
A good idea is to have a time out quiet space if the child gets overwhelmed.
A really good idea is to make a transition book for the child with photos and names of staff and picture of the classroom, canteen etc. for the parents to show the child before they start.
Autistic children often have anxiety, and don't think parents are being over-protective if they have more questions and concerns than other parents. It's not easy having an autistic child and you can't help but worry about them more.
Also don't push the child to participate in things they clearly find difficult, such as assemblies, school plays and if they are going on school trips you will need lots of supervision as autistic children tend to run off and can be unpredictable if scared or startled etc.
I have Asperger's and both my daughters are also autistic so I have tried to think of as many things as I can.
One thing my 8yo has found, is that she is very sensitive to the staff telling her she has been rude (and that's in an ASC unit) because she didn't say please or said something in a matter of fact way - this type of speech is part of autism and she is very stressed and upset at being told she has been rude. Most of what makes her hate school is things that have been said to her which is sad.
I would like to commend you for taking the step of asking what you can do, you sound like an extra special teacher.