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How can teachers support children with autism in school?

1. Emphasise routines. ...

2. Manage change carefully. ...

3. Communicate clearly. ...

4. Consider the cause of the behaviour. ...

5. Think about classroom lay-out. ...

6. Practise social skills

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Adjust the physical space: Reduce clutter, use calm colors, and minimize distracting sensory stimulation. You can also provide a quiet space for students to go when they're frustrated.

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Teaching Strategies for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder

1. Strategy 1: Limiting Sensory Overload.

2. Strategy 2: Using Rewards and Incentives (Applied Behavior Analysis)

3. Strategy 3: Providing Appropriate Feedback for Students with ASD.

4. Strategy 4: Focusing on Autism Reading Comprehension Strategies.

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Students with ASD often thrive in predictable environments. Having a clear daily routine, with visible schedules, can help to reduce anxiety. When they know what to expect throughout the day, they feel more secure and at ease.

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Provide a safe place– Some students benefit from a specific place (as well as a back-up in case this is not available), where a student may release symptoms. Give breaks out of the classroom, as it can be helpful to have a change in settings; e.g., the bathroom, the drinking fountain, a real or made up errand.

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For When Your Teacher Needs It

1) Creating a space where children with tics can go to if they need it.

2) Allowing a child to wear ear defenders in class to support their concentration and manage sensory stimulation.

3) Giving instructions that focus on what should be done rather than concentrating on the 'don'ts

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Remove or dampen distracting or disturbing stimuli: Replace flickering fluorescent lights, use headphones to help block noise, avoid high traffic times, etc. Pair companions or staff appropriately for challenging activities or times: Some people are more calming than others in certain situations.

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Health professionals who can diagnose TS are: Neurologists, Psychiatrists and Paediatricians

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National charities and support networks

National Autistic Society

For autistic adults and children, and their families.

Website: www.autism.org.uk

Ambitious about Autism

For autistic children and young people, their parents and carers.

Call: 020 8815 5444

E-mail: info@ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk

Website: www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk

Autism Central

For parents and carers of autistic children, young people and adults.

Website: www.autismcentral.org.uk

Local support groups

The assessment team that diagnosed you or your child should give you information on local support groups.

You can also search for local groups:

National Autistic Society: autism services directory.

Autism Central: find help

Social media and forums

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Allow larger 'personal space' if student has touching tic or large motor tics involving limbs

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Steps for Implementing Strategies in the Classroom

1. Model Positive Behaviour: Greet and engage students respectfully.

2. Understand Autism: Familiarise yourself with the characteristics of autism using quick reference materials.

3. Get to Know Your Students: Use “About Me” sheets to learn about each student's preferences and needs.

4. Create a Welcoming Environment: Promote social interaction and extended learning opportunities.

5. Encourage Understanding: Teach acceptance through peer pairings and group work.

6. Monitor Social Interactions: Be vigilant against bullying and misunderstandings.

7. Address Communication and Sensory Needs: Implement organisational strategies and sensory accommodations.

8. Establish Routines: Maintain clear routines and inform students of changes in advance.

9. Consider Seating Arrangements: Position students for optimal learning based on their needs.

10. Support Communication: Use clear directions, visual aids, and provide processing time.

11. Be Mindful of Sensory Issues: Recognise factors that may overwhelm students in your classroom.

12. Provide Written Rules: Use visual representations of classroom expectations.

13. Use Descriptive Praise: Reinforce positive behaviours with specific feedback.

14. Give Clear Directions: Focus on positive instructions rather than prohibitive language.

https://www.autismspeaks.org/tool-kit-excerpt/autism-classroom-strategies

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Autism in the classroom: Strategies for success | Autism Speaks

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This excerpt from the School Community Tool Kit offers strategies for teachers to help support students with autism so they get the best education possible.

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Provide Tourettes Action information and resources for teachers. Discuss the possibility of informing the rest of the class/school about TS to help reduce any misunderstanding, unwanted attention or bullying. Remember to discuss support needs around your child's TS and any related conditions, such as OCD, anxiety etc

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Behavioural therapy is often recommended as one of the first treatments for tics. You may be referred to a specialist psychological treatment service if a doctor feels therapy might help. One of the main types of therapy for tics is habit reversal therapy

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supporting children with Tourette's in an educational setting involves so many adjustments, We need to allow students to sit where they feel most comfortable, which can help reduce anxiety, and minimise tics.

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Disability organizations

Deep brain stimulation (DBS)

Therapy

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)

Tourettes Action

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To help someone with Tourette Syndrome it is important to be patient, calm and attentive. It is important to encourage them in their activities. Sport and creative hobbies are a positive way for them to use their energy, improve their focus and develop skills

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Learning and Environment considerations can be as below.

Establishing a visual routine and maintain the routine as much as possible, Keep the child informed about the changes to the routines.

Having sensory-friendly places or sensory rooms for the child to retreat from overstimulation. Making sure the class is not too noisy, helping the child with clean spaces to avoid distraction, having neutral color posted and display to avoid sensory over load.

ILP's - Having a clear ILP's will help the child and give a step by step approach, making sure to break the tasks into small chunks, clear visual aids.

Services like SENCO's Speech and language therapists, Occupational therapists, Educational psychologist are involved. Speech and language therapist help child with their communication skills, ways to express themselves, they may be introduced with PCSE picture exchange communication systems.

Occupational therapist - Helps children with their fine and gross motor skills like processing daily living skills, sensory tools to help self regulate.

EP's will help child develop their cognitive, social and emotional skills they provide teachers with teaching strategies, Childs ILP's

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Provide accommodations: Allow students to take tests and write reports orally, or use a scribe. You can also waive time limits on tests to reduce stress.

Use alternative methods: Present material in different ways, like using tape recorders or having someone else read it to the student. You can also try reading in pairs or "read or pass".

Reduce distractions: Keep the teacher nearby and break up tasks into smaller sections.

Provide a safe space: Give students breaks outside of the classroom.

Use sensory toys: Provide stress balls, elastic bands, spinners, or other sensory toys to help students.

Allow transition time: Allow time for students to transition between activities.

Consider a consultant teacher: You could consider consulting with a resource or consultant teacher.

Brainstorm solutions: Work with the student, their family, and other professionals to brainstorm solutions.

Create an EHCP: An Education, Health and Care plan (EHC plan) is a legal document that outlines a child's special educational needs and the support they need.

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Overview – include signs and symptoms:

Tourette's syndrome is a condition that causes a person to make involuntary sounds and movements called tics. It usually starts during childhood, but the tics and other symptoms usually improve after several years and sometimes go away completely. There's no cure for Tourette's syndrome, but treatment can help manage symptoms. People with Tourette's syndrome may also have obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or learning difficulties. In the UK, children can be diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome typically between the ages of 2 and 14, with the average age being around 6 years old. Diagnosis usually involves observing multiple motor tics and at least one vocal tic that have been present for at least a year

Most people with Tourette's syndrome experience a strong urge before a tic, which has been compared to the feeling you get before needing to itch or sneeze. These feelings are known as premonitory sensations. Premonitory sensations are only relieved after the tic has been carried out.

Examples of premonitory sensations include:

a burning feeling in the eyes before blinking

a dry or sore throat before grunting

an itchy joint or muscle before jerking

Tics are not usually harmful to a person's overall health, but physical tics, such as jerking of the head, can be painful. Tics can be worse on some days than others. They may be worse during periods of: stress, anxiety, and tiredness.

Sign & symptoms:

Examples of physical tics include:

blinking

eye rolling

grimacing

shoulder shrugging

jerking of the head or limbs

jumping

twirling

touching objects and other people

Examples of vocal tics include:

grunting

throat clearing

whistling

coughing

tongue clicking

animal sounds

saying random words and phrases

repeating a sound, word or phrase

swearing

(Swearing is rare and only affects about 1 in 10 people with Tourette's syndrome).

How can it affect development – all developmental areas

Academic Challenges: Children with TS may face difficulties in school due to tics and co-occurring conditions like ADHD and OCD. These can affect concentration, learning, and social interactions.

Social and Emotional Impact: The presence of tics can make children more susceptible to bullying and social isolation. This can lead to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.

Quality of Life: Studies have shown that children with TS often report a lower quality of life, particularly in school settings. The stress of managing tics and the reactions of peers can be overwhelming.

Developmental Changes: Tics often change in frequency and severity during different developmental stages, such as puberty. Hormonal changes can exacerbate symptoms, making adolescence a particularly challenging time.

Co-occurring Conditions: Many children with TS also have other disorders like OCD, ADHD, and learning disabilities1. These conditions can compound the challenges they face, requiring comprehensive support and intervention.

What strategies can be used to support CYP? Teachers POV

Creating a Supportive Environment:

1. Seating Arrangements: Placing students with TS at the front of the classroom can help maintain their attention.

2. Time-Out Passes: Allowing students to take breaks when needed can help manage their tics.

3. Designated Areas: Providing specific areas where tics are allowed can reduce stress.

Classroom Management:

1. Avoiding Responses to Tics: Teachers are encouraged not to react to tics, which can help reduce the student’s anxiety.

2. Breaking Down Tasks: Dividing longer assignments into shorter, manageable tasks can help students stay focused.

3. Minimizing Distractions: Removing unnecessary objects from desks can help students concentrate better.

Engaging with Students and Parents:

1. Open Communication: Talking to the student and their parents to understand their specific needs and triggers is crucial.

2. Learning Together: Showing interest in the student’s condition and learning about TS together can foster a supportive relationship.

What professionals may be involved?

Behavioural therapy is usually provided by a psychologist or a specially trained therapist.

2 types of behavioural therapy have been shown to reduce tics:

habit reversal training – this approach involves working out the feelings that trigger tics; the next stage is to find an alternative, less noticeable way of relieving the urge to tic

exposure with response prevention (ERP) – this method trains you to better control your urge to tic; techniques are used to recreate the urge to tic to train you to tolerate the feeling, without doing the tic, until the urge passes

Children with Tourette syndrome often benefit from a multidisciplinary approach involving various professionals. Here are some key specialists who may be involved:

1. Pediatricians: They are often the first point of contact and can provide initial assessments and referrals.

2. Child Neurologists: Specialists in brain and nervous system disorders, they can help diagnose and manage Tourette syndrome.

3. Child Psychiatrists and Psychologists: These professionals can address any co-occurring mental health issues, such as ADHD or OCD, and provide therapy and support.

4. Qualified Mental Health Professionals: They can offer counseling and behavioral therapies to help manage tics and associated behaviors.

5. Geneticists or Genetic Counselors: If there’s a family history of Tourette syndrome, these specialists can provide genetic counseling and risk assessments

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Children and young people with Tourette's we can provide sensory toys ,stress balls, or elastic bands to help manage restless and anxiety. Create a designed area where students can go and have a break if they sre experiencing severe tics.