Autism Home Learning

September is approaching fast! This post reflects upon the physical and emotional aspects of returning to school or college and considers ways to prepare your son or daughter to support a positive return. Many of us are beginning to return to a more 'normal' routine, although we may still have anxieties due to ongoing uncertainties regarding the impact of this pandemic. Most youngsters have been at home for months, so preparing them for the transition back to school/college is crucial. Of particular importance to consider are the physical and emotional aspects of returning to school/college. Use the next couple of weeks to prepare yourself and your child - this preparation  may help to reduce anxieties for you and for your children and support a positive return.  Physical and Emotional Aspects of Returning to School or College Many youngsters will feel  anxious about returning to school or college. Their anxiety may show itself in many different ways, for example: Autisti...

Behaviours which feel challenging can be frustrating and upsetting. Pause and give yourself a break. It is important to have some everyday strategies to maintain wellbeing which in turn may reduce difficult behaviour.This post offers some tips for everyday strategies, some suggestions for what you might do and what it is better not to do, which may help to prevent behaviours from escalating.  Structure  Always consider structure and routines as part of your everyday strategies. We all need structure and routine in our daily lives. For autistic children and young people, structure and routines are essential to provide information in a meaningful way and to reduce anxiety. The use of structure is empowering. Structured Teaching (TEACCH) strategies increase independence, raise self-esteem and as a result can reduce difficult behaviours. For example, a visual schedule provides vital information about the structure of the day: what, when, where, who. This is not that far remov...