Autism Toolkit for Primary Practitioners

written by the Autism and Communication Advisory Teachers

(Strategies/Resources/Websites)

CONTENTS PAGE

1
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Introduction

The key areas of difference (AET) 4

The Toolkit

• The One Page Profile – start with the individual 6

• Social Understanding and communication 7
• Flexibility, Information processing and Understanding 8
• Sensory processing and integration/anxiety 9

Books and resources

• Social Understanding and communication 10

• Flexibility, Information processing and Understanding 19
• Sensory processing and integration 26
• The Autistic experience (books by autistic CYP and their families) 29

Websites/Helplines 34

Social communication checklist 46

AET Resources 50

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Autism and Communication Service

The Autism and Communication Service provides support for children and young people with autism and communication difficulties, their parents/carers, and
schools, academies and free schools.
The Autism and Communication Service is made up of a team of specialist advisory teachers who support schools and SENCOs, children and young people
and their families to develop positive outcomes for pupils with Autism, Social Communication and/or a Communication Need.

These strategies and resources are a starting point and there are numerous further strategies and resources that schools can use (see Somerset Graduated
Response Toolkit). More information can be gained from the Autism Education Trust courses that are offered by the Autism and Communication Service.
Please follow this link for the training offer Autism and Communication Service | Support Services for Education

Training (to be found on the Autism and Communication Service website)

http://www.supportservicesforeducation.co.uk/Services/3326

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The key areas of difference (AET)

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The One Page Profile – start with the individual

• Consider strengths and challenges in the 3 areas of difference
• CYP with autism need consistency so all staff should respond consistently
• Every CYP is an individual and will respond according to their own profile

• Listen to what the pupil likes and doesn’t like.

• Talk to the parents about how the pupil likes to be supported and what is
important to them as a family now and in the future.

• For pupils who are not able to tell us in ways we can understand, the views of
parents/carers or others who understand them are crucial.

• If a pupil is non-speaking, you can gather information through careful

observation, reading reports and assessments by other professionals, and by
talking to other people who know them.

Tailoring support to the individual – matches provision to need

Reflects their strengths and challenges – shows differences in the three areas of
development

Information from – the CYP, their family and key staff (don’t forget adults who support
in unstructured times eg lunchtime supervisors, wrap around care and supply staff)

Share with EVERYONE who the CYP comes into contact with at school

UPDATE regularly

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Strategies (adapted from AET Making Sense of Autism training module)

Social Understanding and communication

• Develop a positive relationship with the pupil by showing you value them and their interests.
• Be aware of the fact that the autistic pupil is likely to find it difficult to tolerate and accept the presence of others in some activities.
• Recognise that social interaction with their peers presents challenges for autistic pupils, so help them in their understanding
of common social situations.
• Help the pupil to ‘see’ the task by providing visual cues.
• Use objects, pictures, and visual timetables to support understanding and learning and promote independence.
• Support the pupil to interact and build relationships with peers and those who work with them.
• Provide mentoring and pastoral support and direct guidance to support the pupil to develop relationship with peers.
• Only ask one question at a time.
• Use the pupil's name when speaking to them to gain attention.
• Be clear and simple with your language. For example, rather than saying, ‘Come here, Sam, it is time to put your coat on’, you could say,
‘Sam, coat on.’
• Some pupils struggle with being given direct commands such as ‘Sam, coat on’. Bear in mind that if a pupil is demand avoidant About autism
& PDA – PDA Society , it is particularly important to use indirect language and to give the pupil choice. Instead of ‘Sam, coat on’, you could
say ‘Sam, shall we put the coat on in the hallway or in the classroom?’
• Allow the pupil time to process what you are saying and to respond to you.
• Say what you mean and avoid using sarcasm or metaphors.

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Flexibility, Information processing and Understanding

• Be mindful that any transition between activities or environments,

however small, may cause anxiety.
• Ensure the person you are supporting is clear about what is happening next.
• Build on strengths.
• Use special interests to engage in learning.
• Enable multiple ways to process information and learning.
• Provide structure and preparation for changes and transitions.
• Use pictures, signs, or symbols to support all of the above.

Sensory processing and integration/anxiety

• An autistic person may find it uncomfortable to listen and make eye contact at the same time, so don’t think a pupil is being rude when
they don’t look at you when you speak.
• Twitching, fidgeting, and agitation can all be signs that the pupil is beginning to experience sensory overload, so reduce the sensory
information, e.g. stop talking (and reduce any other noise), don’t touch them, reduce the light.
• Take sensory issues into account when planning lessons.
• Talk to the pupil, or find ways of understanding the pupil’s sensory differences and make simple changes to reduce anxiety and stress.
• Provide breakout rooms or places the autistic pupil can go to where they feel safe.
• Provide a quiet area outside, away from the noise.
• Be very mindful that vestibular (movement, inclusive of spinning) activities can be very alerting and some pupils can find it very
hard to modulate this input.
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• Be mindful of:
o The volume and tone of your voice.
o The language you use.
o Your body language.
o Your own anxiety levels.
o The amount of personal space you
are giving the pupil.

• You can help reduce anxiety by:

o Providing routine, predictability, and consistency.

o Using visual reinforcements like symbols and printed words, and labelling things and places.

o Adapting the sensory environment, such as having a low-stimulus sensory space in your classroom.

o Organising sensory breaks which are relevant and appropriate to the pupil’s sensory needs.

o Providing frequent opportunities for exercise and movement.

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Resources

Social understanding and communication

Speech, Language and communication This is a set of 9 Progression Tools, which highlights children’s language skills at the following key
Progression Tool by The Communication Trust stages of development: 3, 4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10 and 11 in primary school, and 11-12, 13-14 and 16-18 in
secondary school.
About us (ican.org.uk)
Each tool covers different aspects of speech, language and communication:

1. Understanding spoken language

2. Understanding and using vocabulary
3. Sentences
4. Storytelling and narrative
5. Speech
6. Social interaction

More Than Words: Helping In this book, the author presents a step-by-step guide for parents of pre-school children with ASD and
Parents Promote Communication other social communication difficulties. Each chapter is divided into four colour-coded stages of
and Social Skills in Children with communication – ranging from children who are not talking to those who can carry on short
Autism Spectrum Disorder by Fern conversations – making it easy for parents to find information that is just right for their child. Full of
Sussman practical ideas and colourful illustrations, this book shows parents how they can turn everyday activities
into opportunities for promoting interaction and communication skills.

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Developing Baseline Developing Baseline Communication Skills is a practical resource designed to fit with the baseline
Communication Skills assessments that are now part of the national curriculum in schools. It contains a programme of games
and activities aimed at fostering personal and social development and promoting language and early
by Catherine Delamain and Jill
literacy skills.
Spring

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Teaching Children to The book includes: The Listening Skills Rating Scale - a quick, photocopiable assessment to rate
Listen: A practical children on each of the four rules of good listening. Advice on using these findings to inform individual
approach to education plans that focus on a specific area of difficulty. 40 activities, including games to target whole
developing children's
class listening and exercises particularly suitable for the Early Years. Each activity sets out what
listening skills by Liz
equipment you need, tips for facilitating and ideas for differentiation. Perfect for children aged 3-11, all
Spooner
the games and ideas have been tried-and-tested and have proved successful with children with a range
of abilities, including those with special needs.

Speaking, Listening and It contains a collection of graded games and activities designed to foster the speaking, listening and
Understanding: Games for Young understanding skills of children aged from 5 to 7.
Children The activities are divided into two main areas: Understanding Spoken Language: Following
by Catherine Delamain and Jill Instructions; Getting the Main Idea; Thinking Skills; Developing Vocabulary; Understanding Inference.
Spring Using Spoken Language: Narrating; Describing; Explaining; Predicting; Playing with Words.

Understanding and Using Spoken Understanding and Using Spoken Language is a collection of original games and activities designed to
Language Games and Activities for help and support children aged from 7 to 9 years.
7 to 9 Year Olds
The book seeks to address language and communication difficulties for children aged 7-9 by providing
by Catherine Delamain and Jill
a range of fun and engaging activities. The activities focus on both social and language development in
Spring
areas such as body language, independence, emotions, listening, speaking and auditory memory.

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Language for Learning Language for Learning in the Primary School comes complete with a wealth of photocopiable
in the Primary School by resources, giving teachers and teaching assistants the confidence to help children with SLCN more
Emma Jordan and Sue effectively in mainstream settings.
Hayden
Language for Learning in the Secondary School comes complete with a wealth of photocopiable
Language for Learning resources and activities, giving teachers and teaching assistants the confidence to help students with
in the Secondary School by Emma Jordan and speech, language and communication needs more effectively in mainstream settings.
Sue Hayden

Assessing and Developing This fully photocopiable resource offers a flexible framework for the assessment and measurement of
Communication and Thinking the communication skills of children with autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs). Packed with practical
Skills in People with Autism and assessment and planning sheets, it enables teachers, educators and other professionals to observe and
Communication Difficulties: A record how children use and understand language, and to follow their progress over time.
Toolkit for Parents and
Professionals by Kate Silver

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Reading Between the

Lines: Understanding This book contains a collection of 300 texts which are graded, and lead the student gradually from
Inference by simple tasks with picture support and plentiful clues to more challenging scenarios where true
Catherine Delamain inference is required. The texts can be used with whole classes, groups and individual children.
and Jill Spring

Getting the Picture: Inference This fully photocopiable resource has been designed to improve these skills in the way this population
and Narrative Skills for can often learn best visually. This book is brimming with thought-provoking illustrations of different
Young People with people in different places, all of which are accompanied by a series of questions designed to encourage
Communication Difficulties prediction and inference skills. Participants are asked to consider everything from who the person in
by David Nash the picture is, what they might be doing, and where they might be going, to how they may be feeling
and why. Questions can either be completed individually or brainstormed as a group, and there are
three types of illustration to work with single person, picture sequence, or large scenes containing
several interactions. The final section teaches important sequencing skills by providing muddled picture
narratives that need to be ordered.

Teaching Children With Teaching Children with Autism to Mind-Read provides practical guidelines for helping children with
Autism to Mind-Read autism spectrum conditions to improve their understanding of beliefs, emotions and pretence. The
by Julie Hadwin, authors tackle specific problematic issues including: how to interpret facial expressions how to
recognise feelings of anger, sadness, fear and happiness how feelings are affected by what happens
and what is expected to happen how to see things from another person's perspective how to
understand another person's knowledge and beliefs
https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/search/author/
Patricia Howlin and Simon Baron-Cohen

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Time to Talk: A Programme to School can be a frustrating and confusing experience for children who have not developed their
Develop Oral and Social Interaction communication skills. not only will access to the curriculum be difficult, so will developing co-operative
Skills for Reception and Key Stage skills and friendships. This book has been developed to teach and develop oral language and social
One interaction skills to children aged 4-6. Containing 40 sessions, designed to take place two to three
by Alison Schroeder times a week, the book aims to help teachers to develop the "rules" of interaction with the help of the
character Ginger the Bear, who features in all the activities. Skills taught include: eye contact; taking
turns; sharing; greetings; awareness of feelings; giving; following instructions; listening; paying
attention; and play skills. The book should provide a useful resource for Literacy Hour and curriculum
Key Stage 1.

Socially Speaking: A pragmatic social Socially Speaking is a pragmatic social skills programme for pupils with mild to moderate learning
skills programme for primary pupils difficulties. It lasts a whole school year and is divided into three units
by Alison Schroeder
• Let’s communicate
• Let’s be friends
• Let’s practise

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Talkabout is a complete programme that develops self-esteem, social skills and friendship skills. It is
based on teaching children in group settings either in school or college but can be adapted to be used
on a 1:1 basis or at home. It uses a hierarchical method of developing skills where basic or foundation
skills are taught before more complicated skills.

Use the Talkabout (brown cover) as the first resource and it is linked to the assessment. Other, specialist
books are available in the series eg Talkabout for teenagers…

Talkabout books by Alex Kelly

http://alexkelly.biz/product-category/talkabout-
books/

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Conversational skills for kids The Conversation Skills workbook provides step-by-step activities that develop strong
with Autism and Aspergers by communication skills. Students learn how to choose and introduce appropriate topics, add on-
Janine Tool topic comments and questions, and show interest with body language and gaze.

I can’t do that! By John Ling The new edition of this book has over 90 examples of social stories, including over 30 new stories and
also contains a new section on:

- why social stories are important

- how to use them in your setting

- how to write your own social stories.

Lego-based Therapy by Simon Baron- This complete guide to LEGO® Therapy contains everything you need to know in order to set up and
Cohen Daniel B. LeGoff, Gina Gómez de run a LEGO® Club for children with autism spectrum disorders or related social communication
la Cuesta, GW Krauss difficulties and anxiety conditions. By providing a joint interest and goal, LEGO® building can become a
medium for social development such as sharing, turn-taking, making eye-contact, and following social
rules. This book gives advice on all practical considerations including space, the physical layout of the
room and choosing and maintaining materials, as well as strategies for managing behaviour, further
skill development, and how to assess progress.

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Word Aware by Anna Branagan and It provides a structured approach to promote vocabulary development in all children. It details a
Stephen Parsons comprehensive and structured approach to learning with a multitude of activities and lesson plans. It
adopts a whole school approach but is equally effective for specific classes and groups or individual
learners

Teaching speaking and listening by This book offers a systematic yet flexible programme for teaching spoken language one step at a time.
Anne Locke It targets the essential spoken language skills crucial for every child's educational development -
Conversation; Listening; Narrative; Discussion -and provides auditing tools, checklists and guidance to
help the non-specialist teacher to build language, literacy and communication skills.

Early Intervention games by Barbara Games to play with young children who have Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or other sensory
Sher processing disorders (SPD). The games are designed to help children feel comfortable in social
situations and teach other basic lessons including beginning and end, spatial relationships, hand-eye
coordination

101 games and activities for children How to teach children by moving their bodies through play. These interactive games are quick to learn
with Autism, Asperger’s and sensory but will provide hours of fun and learning and many of the games can be played indoors or outdoors
Processing Disorder by Tara Delaney

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Identiplay – Teaching play to The Identiplay intervention helps children on the autistic spectrum, and those with specific
children with autism by Nicky communication disorders, learn to play. Through the use of play scripts, the approach promotes the
Phillips and Liz Beavan development of social skills, understanding, imagination and exploration.

Flexibility, Information processing and understanding

Sitting still like a Simple mindfulness practices to help your child (ages 5-12) deal with anxiety, improve concentration,
frog – Eline Snel and handle difficult emotions.

Activity book includes 75 fun mindfulness games and activities to teach children ages 4-8 to calm
themselves down, focus, be attentive to people around them, and to feel more peaceful.

Angry Arthur by Hiawyn Oram Angry Arthur is a beautifully perceptive observation of a 3-year old boy's tantrum when told to turn off
and Satoshi Kitamura the TV and go to bed.

Mindful monkey happy panda This wonderful picture book for children and adults alike introduces the powerful practice of
– Lauren Alderfer mindfulness in a fun and exciting way. With the delightful Monkey and his serene friend Happy Panda
guiding readers to a calmer and more attentive mind,

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Be Mindful of Monsters: Be Mindful of Monsters follows Ezzy, a relatable and gender-neutral nine-year-old whose
A Book for Helping emotions have grown into monsters. With its engaging story and diverse characters the book
Children Accept Their can be used at home, in a therapy setting or at school as part of Social Emotional Learning,
Emotions
and includes therapeutic metaphors and activities. You can also download the feelings chart
by Lauren
featured in the book for FREE at BumbleBLS.com/Shop. Plus, be sure to check out the
Stockly and Ellen Surrey
supplementary Mindful Monsters Therapeutic Workbook, which is designed to accompany Be
Mindful of Monsters with over 100 pages of activities, coloring pages, charts, crafts and more

The Worrysaurus by Rachel A fun and reassuring tale about dealing with worries from the author of the bestselling The
Bright Lion Inside.

Parenting a child with emotional Dan Hughes shares his expertise on the symptoms, prognosis and treatment for children affected by
and behavioural difficulties by Dan emotional and behavioural difficulties, with valuable advice on how parents and carers can help
Hughes children to improve their behaviour and increase their self-esteem.

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Self-regulation Interventions and Self-Regulation Interventions and Strategies features more than 200 practical and proven interventions,
strategies – Teresa Garland strategies and adaptations for helping children gain more control over their lives. Basic and advanced
methods to calm a child and to preventing outbursts and melt-downs Interventions to help with
attention problems, impulse control, distractibility and the ability to sit still. Stories and video-
modelling for autism, along with techniques to quell repetitive behaviours. Sensory strategies for
sensitivity and craving. Behavioural and sensory approaches to picky eating. Ways to increase
organization skills using technology and apps. Strategies for managing strong emotions as well as
techniques for releasing them

A volcano in my tummy by A Volcano in My Tummy: Helping Children to Handle Anger presents a clear and effective approach to
Warwick Pudney, Éliane helping children and adults alike understand and deal constructively with children's anger. Using easy
Whitehouse to understand yet rarely taught skills for anger management, including how to teach communication of
emotions, A Volcano in My Tummy offers engaging, well-organized activities which help to overcome
the fear of children's anger which many adult care-givers experience. By carefully distinguishing
between anger the feeling, and violence the behaviour, this accessible little book, primarily created for
ages 6 to thirteen, helps to create an awareness of anger, enabling children to relate creatively and
harmoniously at critical stages in their development.

All birds have anxiety by Kathy This simple yet profound book validates the deeper everyday experiences of anxiety, provides an
Hoopmann empathic understanding of the many symptoms associated with anxiety, and offers compassionate
suggestions for change.

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All dogs have ADHD by It explores a variety of traits that will be instantly recognisable to those who are familiar with ADHD.
Kathy Hoopmann Charming colour photographs of dogs bring to life familiar ADHD characteristics such as being restless
and excitable, getting easily distracted, and acting on impulse. It combines humour with understanding
to reflect the difficulties and joys of raising a child with ADHD and celebrates what it means to be
considered 'different'.

All cats are on the Autism All-new cats take a playful look at the world of autism, and these fun feline friends will strike a chord
Spectrum by Kathy Hoopmann with all those who are familiar with typical autistic traits, bringing to life common characteristics such as
sensory sensitivities, social issues and communication difficulties.
Touching, humorous and insightful, this book evokes all the joys and challenges of being on the autism
spectrum, leaving the reader with a sense of the dignity, individuality and the potential of autistic
people.

Exploring feelings (anger, anxiety) If you have difficulty understanding what you and those around you are feeling, the world can be a
by Tony Attwood confusing and frustrating place. Misinterpretation of social and physical events can result in feelings of
anxiety, depression, and anger. But with education and guidance, individuals with these challenges can
learn how to understand and cope with their feelings in positive ways. This CBT therapy helps people
effectively work through their emotions by developing their ability to interpret the causes and effects of
their own actions and reactions. Dr. Attwood offers important advice on: assessing emotional needs;
avoiding and correcting misinterpretation of emotion; building self-esteem and improving self-
awareness; managing anxiety, depression, and anger; and, defining physical and social tools.

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How Does Your Engine Run? This practical book explains the Alert Program in its entirety. It guides you through the twelve steps to
Leader's Guide to the Alert teach independent self-regulation with an extensive list of activities and clinical stories. The book
Program for Self-Regulation includes all worksheets, charts and pictures needed for the program with permission to copy for
by Mary Sue Williams, and Sherry educational use.
Shellenberger

When my worries get too big by This book gives young children an opportunity to explore with parents or teachers their own feelings as
Kari Dunn-Buron they react to events in their daily lives while learning some useful relaxation techniques. It helps
children find themselves relaxed and ready to work or play.

The incredible 5-point scale – The behavioural support known as the Incredible 5-Point Scale, created by Kari Dunn Buron and Mitzi
Dunn-Buron, Curtis Curtis (2003), provides a visual representation of social behaviours, emotions, and abstract ideas. It is a
simple scale used to teach social understanding. Kari stresses, that "the scale is about breaking social
and emotional concepts into 5 parts.

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• Starving the Based on cognitive behavioural principles, this workbook uses fun and imaginative activities to teach
anxiety children how to manage their anxiety by changing how they think and act – getting rid of their Anxiety
gremlin – a Gremlins for good! Bursting with stories, puzzles, quizzes, and colouring, drawing and writing games,
cognitive
this is a unique tool for parents or practitioners to use with children aged 5 to 9 years.
therapy
workbook on
anxiety
management
for young
people by Kate
Collins-
Donnelly
• Starving the anger gremlin
–
• Starving the exam gremlin

Avoiding Anxiety in Autistic An optimistic, upbeat and readable guide that will be essential reading for any parent to an autistic
Children by Dr Luke Beardon child, whether they are of preschool age or teenagers. Emphasising that autism is not behaviour, but at
the same time acknowledging that there are risks of increased anxiety specific to autism, this practical
book gives insight into the nature of the anxiety experienced by autistic people, as well as covering
every likely situation in which your child might feel anxious or worried. It will help you to prepare your
child for school, to monitor their anxiety around school, and also to be informed about the educational
choices available to your child. It will give you support to help make breaktimes less stressful for them
and how to help them navigate things like eating at school and out of the house.

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Emotional Literacy: Assessment and Intervention provides practical tools that can be used by anyone
involved in the education of children and young people.
Emotional Literacy covers five key areas of emotional literacy:

• Self-awareness, Self-regulation, Motivation, Empathy, Social skills.

Emotional Literacy by Southampton Emotional Literacy contains a wealth of information about techniques to develop and support pupils,
Psychological Service with specific activities to support each of the five subscales.

Thera-build with Lego by Alyson Thera-Build' is a LEGO®-based therapeutic approach for improving children's emotional well-being.
Thomsen Participation in Thera-Build groups can help to boost self-esteem, address common issues such as
anxiety and anger, support social development and build positive attachments. A wide range of
imaginative games and activities is included.

The Homunculi Approach to The Homunculi, (or 'little people'), is a fun activity that builds social and emotional resilience in children
social and emotional wellbeing by and young people, aged 7 upwards, and into the teenage years. It is particularly suited to those with
Anne Greig and Tommy MacKay high functioning autism or Asperger's Syndrome who often have difficulty identifying troubling feelings
such as anger, fear and anxiety.

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Mum and Dad Glue by Kes Gray This comforting, reassuring picture book will help young children come to terms with divorce
and separation.

My Families changing by Pat This simple and reassuring picture book that explores concerns about divorce and family
Thomas and Leslie Harper break-ups for young children The fears, worries and questions surrounding this difficult
experience are made accessible and approachable.

I have a question about divorce by Divorce is a difficult topic for any parent or educator to explain to a child, perhaps even more
Arlen Grad Gaines and Meredith so when the child has Autism or other special needs. This book is designed specifically to help
Englander Polsky children with these additional needs to understand what divorce means.

Sensory processing and integration

Learn to move, move to learn Each of the creative theme-based group lessons in this practical resource follows a sensory-integrated
developmental sequence consisting of seven activities, all related to the theme. For maximum flexibility,
By Jenny Clark Brack
suggestions for adaptation and modification for individual students are included, along with
instructions for how to develop additional lessons, and showing how the lessons prepare children for
later success in school.

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Early Sensory skills by Jackie Cooke This is a huge compendium of practical and enjoyable activities for touch, vision, taste and smell.
Invaluable to anyone working with young children, the text outlines major principal and aims followed
by six easy-to-use sections containing basic activities, games and topics to stimulate the senses.

Sensory and motor strategies by This book addresses each sense, explaining the implications for hyper and hypo sensitivity, with a range
Corrina Laurie of strategies and interventions.

Personal Space Camp by Julia Personal space camp addresses the complex issue of respect for another person's physical boundaries.
Cook Told from Louis perspective, this story is a must-have resource for parents, teachers, and school staff
want to communicate the idea of personal space in a manner that connects with kids.

Personal Space Invader by A humorous book about Harrison Spaeder who came too close, high fived too hard and shook hands
Christianne Jones too long and how he came to understand personal space

Write Dance by Ragnhild Write Dance is an approach and a method that provides movement opportunities so children can
Oussoren develop the physical skills needed to develop their handwriting skills. The movement is driven by the
music and the underlying principle is enjoyment to build confidence. The unique aspect of the
programme is the use of music and dance. This combination of rhythmic and then melodic pieces of

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music are chosen so the children can follow and learn specific movements to develop their physical
skills including, balance, coordination, flexibility and stamina.

Understanding your child’s This user friendly "go to" handbook is geared for daily use and as a quick sensory reference guide
sensory signals – Angie Voss designed to work hand in hand with ASensoryLife.com, The handbook provides simple every day
sensory strategies and techniques to help ALL children; including SPD, autism spectrum disorders,
ADD/ADHD, APD, and developmental disabilities. This handbook provides guidance and understanding
as to why children do what they do in regards to unique sensory processing differences and needs.

Link to A Sensory Life! - Home by Angie Voss

Sensory Circuits by Jane Horwood Participation in a short sensory motor circuit prepares children to engage effectively with the day
ahead. Behavioural clues such as fidgeting, poor concentration, excessive physical contact or lethargy
can indicate that a child is finding it difficult to connect with the learning process.

The Growing up book for boys by Davina The Growing Up Book for Boys explains the facts behind the growth spurts, body changes and mood
Hartman swings of adolescence for boys aged 9-14 on the autism spectrum.

The Growing up guide for girls by Davina The Growing Up Guide for Girls is a one-stop guide for young girls on the autism spectrum explaining
Hartman all they need to know about puberty and adolescence.

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The Autism-Friendly Guide to Written by autistic author Robyn Steward, this is a detailed guide for young people aged 9 to
Periods by Robyn Steward. 16 on the basics of menstruation. Created in consultation with young people, an online survey
and a group of medical professionals, this is a book that teaches all people about periods,
which can be a scary and overwhelming issue.

The out-of-sync Child has Fun by Includes new activities that parents of kids with Sensory Processing Disorder can do at home with their
Carol Kranowitz child, along with updated information on which activities are most appropriate for children with
coexisting conditions such as Asperger's, autism, and more.

The Autistic experience (books by autistic CYP and their families)

Educating and Supporting Girls with Asperger’s This resource is designed to support education
and Autism by Victoria Honeybourne and health professionals to better understand how
autism (including Asperger's syndrome) can
present in girls; explaining the various difficulties
and disadvantages that girls on the autism
spectrum can face in educational settings.

As well as providing background information and

theory, the resource offers practical strategies for
working with girls with autism spectrum
conditions. The resource contains a broad range
of worksheets and activities on key issues: self-
awareness; preparing for school life; learning;

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wider school life; preparing for employment; and

preparing for further study.

Robyn Steward has written this supportive guide to help all women on the autistic spectrum
The Independent Woman's
live independently, make their own choices in life, and be safe whilst doing so. It explores
Handbook for Super Safe Living common safety issues encountered by women and offers practical advice to help you stay safe
and supported in your independence. Topics covered include friendships, relationships and
on the Autistic Spectrum by
sex, alcohol and drugs, money and employment and staying safe outside the home and online.
Robyn Seward This handbook is your guide to super safe living as an independent woman and will help you
to stay safe whilst living life to the full. It may also be of interest to your family, friends and
carers, giving them insight into life on the spectrum and confidence that you will enjoy your
independence in an informed and safe manner.

The Spectrum Girl’s This essential go-to guide gives you all the advice and tools you'll need to help you flourish and
Survival Guide by achieve what you want in life. Siena Castellon uses her own experiences to provide you with the skills to
Siena Castellon overcome any challenge.

With practical tips on friendships, dating, body image, consent and appearance, as well as how to
survive school and bullying, The Spectrum Girl's Survival Guide gives you the power to embrace who
you are, reminding you that even during the toughest of teen moments, you are never alone.

A companion to the bestseller The Spectrum Girl's Survival Guide, toolkit workbook for teen autistic girls
includes More than 100 different exercises and activities – You'll learn how to succeed in school, reframe
negative thoughts, safeguard your mental health, and practice self-care.

• How to tap into the power of your character strengths to become the best version of
yourself – You'll be encouraged to take charge of your life by building your confidence,

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recognizing your many strengths, thinking more positively, and investing in your future and
much more!

I am special – introducing A series of specially-designed worksheets, included as online downloadable content in a handy
children and young people printable format, on a wide range of topics, including how the brain works, physical characteristics, likes
to their autistic spectrum and dislikes, sensory issues, strengths and weaknesses, learning preferences, relationships and plans for
the future. When completed, the worksheets can be used to build up a unique and personal book
disorder’ by Peter
about the individual on the autism spectrum, to help foster self-understanding and self-confidence.
Vermeulen
The workbook is designed for a child to work through with an adult - parent, teacher or other
professional. Unlike other books, its content and layout are devised especially for children who read,
think and process information differently.

My superhero Brain This story speaks to children who have autism, and explains to them what it means in a way that leaves
by Christel Land them feeling empowered and able to make their dreams come true. The story refers to sensory issues
as "special powers" and explains how living with autism can be awesome and at the same time also feel
tricky sometimes.

My Autism Book by Tamar Levi My Autism Book is a beautifully illustrated picture book that helps parents to explain an autism
and Glòria Durà-Vilà. diagnosis to their child in a sensitive, positive and accurate way.

The colourful pictures throughout show how the world looks from the child's perspective and the book
ends with a summary checklist to encourage the child to record and discuss how autism affects them.

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Can you see With diary entries written by eleven-year-old Libby Scott, based on her own experiences of autism, this
me? By Libby pioneering book, written in collaboration with esteemed author Rebecca Westcott, has been widely
Scott and praised for its realistic portrayal of autism
Rebecca This fictionalised portrayal of a young autistic girl is written by Rebecca Westcott, in close collaboration
Westcott with Libby Scott, making it a truly original and inspirational book that will give readers of all ages a deeper
Do you know me? By Libby Scott and Rebecca understanding of what it's like to be autistic
Westcott
Ways to be me. By Libby Scott and Rebecca
Westcott

Asperger Syndrome and This book offers practical advice on how individuals with Aspergers Syndrome can manage their anxiety
more effectively. As a person with AS who has struggled with feelings of anxiety and learnt how to overcome
Anxiety: A Guide to
them, Nick Dubin shares his own tried and tested solutions along with up-to-date research on stress
Successful Stress management for individuals with AS, including a chapter on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Dubin
Management explores the key problem areas that can lead to anxiety for people with AS such as lack of social skills,
by Nick Dubin difficulties establishing romantic relationships and uncertainty about employment.

Autism and Asperger syndrome in It will help you to reframe what you feel, and challenge what you know, about being on the spectrum.
adults by Dr Luke Beardon He explains how autism impacts on the individual, and what purpose a diagnosis might - or might not -
serve. There is a lot of myth-busting, and dismantling of the stereotypes and clichés around ASD and
areas like communication, social interaction and relationships. Practical tips for undiagnosed adults will
help you navigate things like school, work, study, parenthood and even to understand what happens
when autistic people break the law.

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Odd Girl Out – an autistic woman Laura James found out that she was autistic as an adult, after she had forged a career for herself,
in a neurotypical world by Laura married twice and raised four children. Laura draws on her professional and personal experiences and
James reflects on her life in the light of her diagnosis, which for her explains some of her differences; why, as a
child, she felt happier spinning in circles than standing still and why she has always found it difficult to
work in places with a lot of ambient noise.

Women and Girls with Autism Outlining how autism presents differently and can hide itself in females and what the likely impact will
Spectrum Disorder: Understanding be for them throughout their lifespan, the book looks at how females with ASD experience diagnosis,
Life Experiences from Early childhood, education, adolescence, friendships, sexuality, employment, pregnancy and parenting, and
Childhood to Old Age’ by Sarah aging. It will provide invaluable guidance for the professionals who support these girls and women and
Hendrickx it will offer women with autism a guiding light in interpreting and understanding their own life
experiences through the experiences of others.

A KIND OF SPARK tells the story of 11-year-old Addie as she campaigns for a memorial in memory of
the witch trials that took place in her Scottish hometown. Addie knows there's more to the story of
these 'witches', just like there is more to hers.

Fiction

A kind of spark by Ellie McNicoll

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Websites/Helplines/social media

Autism Education Trust The AET is a not for profit programme led by two national autism charities – the
www.autismeducationtrust.org.uk National Autistic Society and Ambitious about Autism. Established and supported by
the Department for Education, the AET promotes and supports partnerships
throughout the education system to improve educational access, experience and
outcomes for children and young people with autism. Underpinned by current research
into good education practice, the AET programme is structured around the three
education phases – early years, school and post 16. Our core values are: person-
centred, outcomes and process focussed, inclusive and accessible, evidence-based,
high quality and working in partnership.

We're here to help the 700,000 autistic people in the UK and their families. Be it
running specialist schools, campaigning for improved rights or training companies on
being more autism-friendly, we are dedicated to transforming lives and changing
attitudes.
www.autism.org.uk
Education professionals (autism.org.uk) – advice specifically for education professionals.

Cerebra is the national charity helping children with brain conditions and their families
discover a better life together.

This includes advice on sleep and challenging behaviour

Cerebra - Working with you and your amazing child https://cerebra.org.uk/download/factsheet-managing-challenging-behaviour/

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We are the charity for people with severe learning disabilities whose behaviour
challenges. We’re making a difference to the lives of children and adults across the
UK through:
• providing information about challenging behaviour
• peer support groups for family carers and professionals
The Challenging Behaviour Foundation, CBF, UK • supporting families by phone or email
• running workshops to reduce challenging behaviour
• speaking up for families nationally / campaigning

Our vision is for anyone with severe learning disabilities who displays challenging
behaviour to have the same life opportunities as everyone else.

We work to improve understanding of challenging behaviour, empower families

with information and support, and help others to provide better services and more
opportunities.

https://www.challengingbehaviour.org.uk/understanding-behaviour/understanding-
behaviour.html

The Communication Trust The Ages and Stages:

www.thecommunicationtrust.org.uk/ Universally Speaking Birth – 5 Booklet

Universally Speaking 5-11 Booklet

Universally Speaking 5-11 Checklist

Universally Speaking 11-18 Booklet

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The Progression Tools aim to support teaching staff to identify children who may be
struggling to develop their speech, language and communication skills. They can also
be used to track progression of these skills over time or following interventions.

Black Sheep Press www.blacksheeppress.co.uk/ Resources for teachers and speech and language therapists
Working with children with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) and speech,
language & communication needs (SLCN)

ERIC exists to give every child and teenager with a bowel or bladder condition the
support they deserve to enjoy a life free from shame, isolation and fear.

Resources and advice for CYP with continence difficulties.

https://www.eric.org.uk/

Children and Young People’s Therapy Service – Fact Files The CYP Therapy Service for Children and Young People in Somerset Partnership NHS
Foundation Trust has designed the Fact Sheet File for School Age to support
www.sompar.nhs.uk
professionals who work with children and young people aged 4-10 years, in order that
they have a greater understanding of children and young people’s development and
the ways they can help children and their families. The ITS is a service comprised of
Children’s Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and Speech and Language
Therapists working in the community across Somerset

ReachoutASC Autism and PDA specialists based in Lancashire. Lynn McCann and her team are
trainers and authors. They are represented on facebook (Reachout ASC - Autism
https://reachoutasc.com
Support - Home | Facebook)

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Studio III Training designed specifically for school and classroom settings, focussing on low
arousal approaches and de-escalation.

Managing Behaviour | Studio 3 Crisis Management Training

The Curly Hair Project The Curly Hair Project is a social enterprise that supports people on the Autistic
spectrum and the people around them, founded by autistic author Alis Rowe. Alis
shares her experiences using animation, comic strips and diagrams.

The Girl With The Curly Hair - Autism Training, Animations,

Books

Sensory Processing Disorder UK (SPDUK) | Facebook

This is a 🇬🇧 UK 🇬🇧 based group for PARENTS, PROFESSIONALS and INDIVIDUALS

with sensory processing disorder who live in the U.K. to support and share
information and sensory experiences around this condition in a safe, non
judgmental environment.

Attention Autism Sharing Group | Facebook

Attention Autism is a communication intervention /therapy approach , this group is

for education colleagues sharing ideas/ talking about Attention Autism activities
specifically

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Interoception: The Eighth Sensory System | Facebook

This is a place for professionals, caregivers and self-helpers to learn, discuss and
share information about Interoception: Our 8th Sensory System.

The Zones of Regulation in Action | Facebook

This group is based on the original work The Zones of Regulation (R) by Leah
Kuypers (2011, Social Thinking Publishing). It is a community page for therapists,
educators, mental health professionals, parents and anyone using the Zones of
Regulation Program to exchange ideas and share successes

Developmental Language Disorder (formerly SLI) Support | Facebook

This is primarily a group for people affected by a DLD (formerly SLI) diagnosis but
offers support to those without a diagnosis but a similar profile of ability. It may
include discussion on co morbid conditions, other overlapping neuro diverse
conditions, social, emotional and behavioural issues and other related challenges
such as academic difficulties. We are here to help and support each other in a safe
environment amongst understanding people.

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Local Offer Somerset - Home | Facebook

Somerset Parent Carer Forum - Home | Facebook

Somerset Parent Carer Forum, is for parent's and carer's of children and
young people 0-25 years old with an additional need or disability. We
help shape the services locally and nationally with parent carers, by giving
you the opportunity to have your say. We have a 'finding your way' online
guide and opportunities to meet like-minded parents and carers, to feel
less isolated, share strategies, share information and to feel empowered.
We have a facebook page, group and Twitter. For more information
contact us.

Autism Somerset CiC - Home | Facebook

Raising Autism Awareness, delivering training sessions and Signposting for families, individuals, Carers and
professionals.

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AuSomer - For the Autistic Community in Somerset - Home | Facebook

PDA Society - Home | Facebook

The PDA Society started out as the PDA Contact Group, set up in 1997 by
parents of children with a PDA profile of autism, and became a registered
charity in January 2016. Our registered charity number is 1165038.

We provide information, support and training for people living and

working with PDA.

Download and get started with the Stories Online For Autism (SOFA) app (bath.ac.uk)

Stories Online For Autism (SOFA) is an app that's been co-developed with the

autism community to support writing stories to help autistic children.

SOFA – social stories online for Autism

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the girl with the curly hair - Home | Facebook

The Curly Hair project is a social enterprise supporting people on the autistic spectrum and
the people around them.

Just a minute of patience | JAM Card | Autism | Hidden disability | Northern Ireland

JAM Card allows people with a hidden disability or communication barrier to

tell others that they need extra time and understanding in a private and easy
way.

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Clue Period & Ovulation Tracker with Ovulation Calendar for iOS, Android, and watchOS
(helloclue.com)

Track periods, ovulation and premenstrual stress (PMS).

HappyMaps | Support for Your Child's Mental Health

HappyMaps is a charity developed by healthcare professionals with help from

parents and young people. They have pooled together what they think are the
best mental health resources for parents, carers and young people in one place.

Know Your Normal | Ambitious about Autism

The Know Your Normal toolkit enables the CYP to describe what their normal looks
like. Things such as how much sleep you get, how much time you spend on your
interests and hobbies and how this makes you feel. So if any of these change, it’s
easier to explain to people who may not understand their autism that something
feels different.

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A toolkit and workshop created by our Youth Patrons for developing inclusive
youth groups. A great resource for school clubs including resources for
communicating with parents, planning sessions, support plans, one page
profiles ect.

Not being able to speak isn’t the same as having nothing to say. Children, teens
and adults who can’t speak can use this Augmentative and Alternative
Communication (AAC) app for iOS as a daily communication tool and to
build language skills.

Brain in hand Brain in Hand: a professional digital support system

It helps with making decisions, coping with anxiety, and dealing with
unexpected situations. The system combines help from a specialist to get
started, digital self-management tools and access to human support when
required. It can be funded from the Disabled Student’s Allowance (DSA) Grant
for Higher Education Students.

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Visual Daily Planner | Tiimo (tiimoapp.com)

Tiimo app helps to manage daily life and improve your wellbeing.

Relay UK - homepage | Relay UK (bt.com)

Relay UK helps deaf, speech-impaired, and hearing people talk to each other
over the phone using the relay service. This can be used by CYP who dislike
speaking to people on the telephone.

Pictello is an interactive storytelling/sequencing app that lets CYP make virtual

storybooks with their own titles, photos, videos, and captions. It includes text to speech
or you can record your own voice. The sequences can be printed out too.

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My Diary – app

Use it to record daily journal, thoughts, journey, mood, and any private moments. It is a
diary with picture, supports adding themes, stickers, mood,

Has a passcode.

STAR SEND Toolkit - Childnet

Online safety resource that offers practical advice and teaching activities to help
secondary schools explore internet safety with young people with autism.

Dr Luke Beardon – of Sheffield Hallam University https://www4.shu.ac.uk/mediacentre/dr-luke-beardon

Articles and podcasts about autism.

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Autism Education trust resources

Resources to Support Autistic Children and Young People (autismeducationtrust.org.uk)

Training for Schools (delivered by the A&C team in Somerset)

Schools Making sense of autism

This is a raising awareness module for anyone working in schools. This includes teaching and support staff, office and ancillary staff, caterers,
caretakers, transport staff and governors.

Schools Good Autism Practice

This is a module for practitioners who work directly with autistic children in early years settings, and it provides guidance on processes and tools
that can help practitioners to implement good autism practice.

Progression Framework

This is a module that introduces the Progression Framework interactive tool. This training module is designed to be used flexibly, with trainers
using the time available in the way that best suits their audience.
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Suite of Resources for Leaders

This suite of resources will support leaders or leadership teams to create culture change across their provision. The resources will support leaders
to fully embed the 8 principles of good autism practice as outlined in the Good Autism Practice Report.

Topic-Based Modules

The AET have developed a number of topic-based modules...

• Anxiety Module
• Exclusions Module

Autism & Communication Advisory Team July22. To be reviewed July2023

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