Part one (of many) Parents and schools do not always agree about the need for autism assessment. Here are some very common situations that often happen and make it difficult for parents to know what to do: 1. School are … Read More
The ADOS is more than an assessment, it’s a rich source of information that can help plan and provide support for autistic individuals. To use the ADOS or not? The ADOS has come under increasing scrutiny as we learn more … Read More
Reasons why transitions are so hard for autistic young people & what helps: What is a Transition? A transition is a change from one state, situation, place, etc., to another. Transitions often involve uncertainty, e.g., not knowing exactly what will … Read More
Autism and school attendance: Case Study Situation: Jack is in Year 5 and his school attendance is 50%. When his parents bring him in, he is crying, he won’t let go of them, they have to carry him in, he … Read More
Things to Consider Before Referral: It is not a small or an easy decision to refer your child for autism assessment, and if parents decide to get their child formally assessed, this is one of many choices they face. For … Read More
Assessing Autistic Girls: A Common Situation Many parents contact me to find out more about assessment for their daughters and they express concerns that professionals will not recognise masking, that they will not see any differences because their daughters are … Read More
Self-harm is an extremely difficult, emotive topic, that is very distressing for parents. It is also a topic that is unfortunately quite common working with autistic young people. Autistica estimate that up to 50% of autistic people have self-harmed. (https://www.autistica.org.uk/what-is-autism/anxiety-and-autism-hub/self-harm-and-autism) … Read More
Simple classroom adaptations to support autistic young people and their attention & listening and to help finish curriculum tasks. Seating: talk to the student to find the best place for them to sit in lessons, this might be at the … Read More
Simple adaptations for young people who might be autistic but don’t have a formal diagnosis in the classroom to support attention & listening and to help finish curriculum tasks. Give students enough time to process and understand what you said. … Read More
Tips to help support students who might be autistic but do not have a formal diagnosis. Simple adaptations in the classroom to support accessing whole class, group, and partner work. 1. Partner work: Craig Goodall (2018) researched autistic young people’s … Read More
I have tried to answer common questions about autism assessment. For example, what assessment does my child need if they need a diagnosis of autism? How is autism diagnosed? What is the ADOS, the ADI, or the DISCO? Does the … Read More
Situation: Fred is 7 ½ and he is autistic. He becomes selectively mute in more and more situations. For example, when people come to his house, including family members, when teachers and teaching assistants come into his class but are … Read More
Situation: Jack is in Year 5 and his school attendance is 50%. When his parents bring him in, he is crying, he won’t let go of them, they have to carry him in, he is very agitated and distressed, he … Read More
Autism and playdates- this is the second video about playdates, but this video focuses on developing flexible thinking and helping autistic children manage uncertainty. Uncertainty often triggers high levels of anxiety for autistic children, and this video gives ideas to … Read More
It is natural for parents to want to play with their children, we remember our parents/carers playing with us and we want to do this with our little ones. However, different children want to play with different things, and not … Read More
PART ONE Tylan (formerly known as Talia) Grant. Tylan’s parents are Carrie and David Grant. They have 3 siblings and were diagnosed with Asperger’s when they were seven. Tylan is a wonderful role model for young people and their openness … Read More
Autism & Parenting: Parenting is difficult. There are millions of books on it but every child is unique as is every parent and every situation, and it is just not as easy as following set rules that work every time. … Read More