Autistic spectrum disorder

Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) primarily affects three main areas: social interaction, social communication and rigid thinking. Each of these difficulties can feature in varying degrees.

ASD can cause significant difficulties with social interaction, building friendships, being able to engage with teachers / support staff and seeking assistance when it is required.

ASD can vary significantly and in our experience no two children are the same; interests, difficulties and triggers for behaviours can be dramatically different between each child. This means that there should never be a uniform approach to catering for ASD. Every child with ASD needs a detailed assessment in order to understand the support, therapies and differentiation that they require in order to access education. ASD tends to result in a child having special educational needs (SEN).

In some cases, SEN additional support may be adequate, whereas in others an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) will be necessary. Careful assessment of the impact of the child’s needs is required to establish the necessary level of support and special educational needs advice should be sought.