Getting it Right for Children with Autism in a Mainstream Class

Having a child with Autism in your classroom can be a very challenging experience but can also be very rewarding.  If the transition programme has worked and the child feels safe and secure there is no reason that everyone, both teachers and pupils alike cannot gain from the experience. Teaching a child with ASD in a mainstream environment has to be a whole school approach.

So many pupils with autism are struggling to achieve at secondary school after having a successful primary experience. It is sad to see pupils with so much potential not achieving as they should. Understanding ASD, understanding the individual and preparing for change can have a huge impact on the school life of someone with a diagnosis of autism. Putting simple everyday support in place can mean the difference between success and failure for a child.

Most students with Autism can perform well in mainstream with some minor adjustments to teaching and assessment methods. What is becoming more apparent is that good classroom management where the lesson is clearly structured and broken down into chunks is beneficial to all students. It is not about reducing educational standards but empowering staff to get the best from all their students.
In this session we will look at:-

• How a good transition programme can increase the chances of success.

• Classroom structure and management.

• Educational Intervention.

Audrey Forrest  - currently on secondment as DHT in charge of the Communication Support Base in Duncanrig Secondary School. Audrey's substantive post is as Principal Teacher in charge of the Communication Disorder Unit in Hamilton Grammar School.

Audrey has been working with children with Autism for seven years both in mainstream and in the base. She is very aware of the difficulties that staff face when dealing with children with additional support needs and has spent some time working with mainstream staff helping them gain a greater understanding of the difficulties facing children with autism.