First Holy Communion Social Story Template ASD class, special needs, autism Ireland
I made a little booklet for a student in my ASD class who was making his first holy communion. Just insert photographs of your church and details of time and date. A social story about what you might expect when you go into your local church on the day you make your First Holy Communion. It covers when, where, going into the church, sitting in pews, listening, singing songs and going up for the Eucharist.
SOCIAL STORIES are valuable tools for teaching social interaction skills in an exacting way to people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. They are particularly effective for those individuals with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD).
Thanks.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
This is a powerpoint to be used as a presentation ideally in order to aid mainstream staff better work with any autistic pupils. Please make use of the notes sections as they elaborate in more detail. I’ve based the information on here on research undertaken for a book, currently being typed, working with pupils with ASD and my own experience as a teacher who has ASD. Feedback would be appreciated, as would any questions if you have them.
My Skills and Strengths Workbook | Life Skills for Autism | Employability Skills | ASD
This resource is designed for individuals with ASD and those with social communication differences. It helps students recognise their own skills using specific, observable statements rather than vague self-assessment questions, then teaches them to turn those skills into concrete evidence they can use in interviews and applications.
The workbook is a fully interactive, fillable PDF — students click directly into the checkboxes and text boxes to complete it on screen. It can be completed independently or with guidance from a tutor, parent, or support worker.
What is covered:
Section 1 — Spot Your Skills: six skill categories (Reliability & Organisation, Focus & Attention to Detail, Following Instructions, Working with Others, Solving Problems, Communication), each with specific, behavioural tick-box statements and space for their own
Section 2 — Turn a Skill Into Evidence: a worked example followed by three guided writing activities to build their own skill evidence
Section 3 — Matching Your Skills to a Job: a table matching common job advert phrases directly to the student’s own skills
Section 4 — Personal Reflection: guided reflection questions on which skills were easiest and hardest to recognise
Section 5 — Skills Others Have Noticed: a structured activity gathering outside observations from people who know the student well, with guidance for setting it as homework between sessions
*** An Instructor Review page for tutor comments**
Suitable for:
Individuals with ASD and those with social communication differences aged 16+
Students preparing for job applications and interviews
Independent study, or 1:1 sessions and small group work with guidance
SEN specialists, therapists, tutors, support workers, and parents
Format: Interactive fillable PDF
Important: Please download the file and open it in a PDF app or PDF viewer. Fillable fields will not work when viewed in a browser or Google Drive preview. The digital workbook can also be printed and used as a physical copy.
All content uses clear, literal, and neutral language throughout. Resources are universally applicable, with no political, ideological, or religious content.
SLEducation — Where rehearsal meets real life…
Supporting Students: Autism Spectrum Disorder
This PPT training module with focus on how to support students with ASD.
Supporting students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is crucial for their overall development, academic success, and social integration. Here are several reasons why it is important to provide support for students with ASD, along with the role of differentiated learning:
Individualised Instruction: Students with ASD often have unique learning profiles, strengths, and challenges. Differentiated learning allows educators to tailor instruction to meet the specific needs of students with ASD. By providing individualized instruction, educators can capitalise on the strengths of these students while addressing areas of difficulty, optimising their learning experience and promoting academic growth.
Sensory Sensitivities: Many individuals with ASD experience sensory sensitivities, which can affect their comfort and attention in the learning environment. Differentiated learning takes into account these sensory needs by creating a sensory-friendly classroom environment. Educators can adjust lighting, noise levels, seating arrangements, and provide sensory tools or breaks to accommodate the sensory sensitivities of students with ASD, enhancing their engagement and focus.
Communication and Language Support: Communication difficulties are common among individuals with ASD. Differentiated learning strategies can include augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems, visual supports, and structured language activities. These strategies assist students with ASD in expressing themselves, understanding instructions, and comprehending verbal and written information. By addressing communication barriers, educators foster effective communication and support language development in students with ASD.
Inclusion and Acceptance: Supporting students with ASD promotes inclusion and acceptance within the classroom and the broader school community. By fostering an inclusive environment, educators help all students appreciate and value neurodiversity. This promotes a culture of acceptance, respect, and empathy, contributing to a positive and inclusive learning experience for students with ASD and their peers.
By the end of this training you should be able to:
Define Autism Spectrum Disorder
Recall examples of impairments in social communication and social interaction
Recall examples of restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviours and interests.
Apply strategies to support a student with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Daily Routine Matching Tasks ASD
Real photo daily routine matching activities designed for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), special education, speech and language support, and independent living skills. Students match real-photo picture cards to grayscale matching boards while practicing everyday routines and independent work skills.
This resource includes 12 structured matching activities focused on daily living routines. The clear layout and predictable format help students build confidence while practicing visual matching, receptive language, and task completion skills.
What’s Included
12 daily routine matching activities
12 grayscale matching boards
12 colored cut-out photo card pages
9 matching pieces per activity
Real photo visuals throughout
Dashed cutting lines
Ready-to-print PDF format
Included Activities
Brushing Hair Match
Washing Face Match
Getting Dressed Match
Putting On Jacket Match
Drinking Water Match
Using a Tissue Match
Cleaning Up Toys Match
Making the Bed Match
Putting Clothes in Hamper Match
Wiping the Table Match
Putting Away Shoes Match
Feeding a Pet Match
Skills Targeted
This resource supports:
Daily living skills
Independent living
Visual discrimination
Matching skills
Independent work routines
Fine motor skills
Receptive language
Functional vocabulary
Attention to task
Visual scanning
Task completion
Who This Resource Is For
This resource is ideal for:
Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Special education classrooms
Speech and language therapy
Occupational therapy settings
Early intervention programs
Preschool and kindergarten learners
Visual learners
Students working on independence and self-help skills
How Teachers Can Use It
Teachers can use these activities in:
Independent work stations
Task boxes
File folders
Life skills lessons
Autism support classrooms
Speech therapy sessions
Occupational therapy activities
Small-group instruction
Home learning practice
Print the matching boards and cut-out pages, laminate if desired, cut the pieces, and have students match the colored photo cards to the grayscale photos on the board.
Why This Resource Is Effective
The structured matching format helps reduce frustration and supports student success. Real photographs provide meaningful visual support and help students connect everyday routines to real-life situations.
The predictable layout encourages independence, confidence, and engagement while supporting functional life skills and classroom participation.
File Format
Printable PDF resource
Print-and-go format
Suitable for laminating and repeated classroom use
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Bullying and autism spectrum disorders - a guide for school staff
If you work in a mainstream or special needs school, you will inevitably come across instances of bullying from time to time. While most schools have a clear policy for dealing with bullying, it may not always take account of the needs of pupils with with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), who are among the pupils at greatest risk of being bullied.
Transition Booklet ( SEN, Autism)
Transition Booklet for KS1/ KS2 - end of year, new class, social story.
Pages 1 - 6 Booklet Cover page (Year 1 - 6)
Page 7 About Me page (name, age, space for a photo, likes/dislikes)
Page 8 Introduction to transition
Page 9 New teacher’s name and space for a photo/ drawing
Page 10 A note from new teacher (to be completed by the teacher)
Pages 11 - 13 Introducing the staff (space for photos and notes to be completed by the Year Group staff)
Page 14 For photos/ drawings of a new classroom
Page 15 New Classroom scavenger hunt activity
Pages 16 - 18 For photos/ drawings of the areas in the new year group (playground, toilets, lunch trolley, etc.)
Page 19 Things that will stay the same in the new year group (to be completed with the pupil)
Page 20 Things that will be different in the new year group (to be completed with the pupil)
Page 21 Blank page
Page 22 Closing page
Page 23 Credits page
For most pupils, transition to a new Year group is an exciting time. For some, however, it can be worrying and unsettling. This booklet is created to be used in KS1 and KS2. Teachers and teaching assistants work on completing the booklet together with their pupils, once completed - the book can be used as a Transition Social Story.
The document is in .pdf format and not editable. 23 pages included.
Bundle
The Communication Skills MEGA Bundle | Social Skills for ASD | 10 Full Lessons
This bundle brings together all 10 structured PDF presentations from the SLEducation Communication Skills library, covering the core social and communication skills that adolescents and young adults with autism and individuals with social communication deficits need to navigate everyday life with greater clarity and confidence.
Each resource is a complete, standalone full lesson — structured, visually engaging, and immediately usable in 1:1 or small group sessions. Together they form a comprehensive communication skills programme that can be delivered across a full term or used flexibly to target individual areas of need.
What is included:
Understanding & Identifying Facial Expressions — Receptive Skills
Active Listening Signals — Receptive & Expressive Feedback Mechanics
Part 1: Understanding & Identifying Tone of Voice — Receptive Skills
Part 2: Using Your Tone of Voice — Expressive Skills
Eye Contact and Visual Attention — Gathering Information & Sensory Comfort
Conversational Turn-Taking — Receptive & Expressive Skills
Apologising and Repairing Conversations — Receptive & Expressive Skills
Sarcasm — Receptive Skills
Personal Space & Proximity — Receptive & Expressive Skills
Starting & Ending Conversations — Receptive & Expressive Skills
Each resource includes:
Clear, explicit teaching of a specific communication skill
Real-life examples and structured practice activities with feedback
Practical tips and key takeaways
Suitable for:
Adolescents and young adults with autism aged 13+
Individuals with social communication deficits
Students with functional verbal language and a basic level of reading comprehension
1:1 sessions, small group work, or guided independent study
SEN specialists, therapists, tutors, and support workers
Format: 10 PDF presentations
Session time: Approximately 30–40 minutes per lesson
All content uses clear, literal, and neutral language throughout. Resources are universally applicable, with no political, ideological, or religious content.
SLEducation — Where rehearsal meets real life…
Attention Autism bucket 6 week plan
6-week Attention Autism bucket programme with 3 sessions per week using exciting sensory themes to build attention, engagement, communication and shared enjoyment.
This ready-to-use 6 week Attention Autism bucket plan is designed to support the development of attention, shared focus, anticipation and early communication skills through highly motivating, sensory-rich sessions.
Perfect for EYFS, SEN, Autism provision and specialist settings, this structured programme follows the Attention Autism approach with 3 engaging sessions per week, allowing for repetition, familiarity and skill-building across a half-term.
Each week is built around a motivating theme to maintain curiosity and excitement while supporting predictable routines that help learners feel safe and ready to engage.
Weekly Themes
Week 1: Shiny & Sparkly
Captures visual attention through light, reflection and sparkle to hook even the most reluctant learners.
Week 2: Colour
Bright, bold and visually stimulating activities that build joint attention and anticipation.
Week 3: Animal Beauty
Engaging animal-themed surprises that encourage curiosity and shared enjoyment.
Week 4: Spring Awakening
Seasonal sensory experiences linked to growth, nature and new life.
Week 5: Music & Sound
Highly motivating auditory elements to promote listening, turn-taking and anticipation.
Week 6: Water
A favourite sensory theme designed to maintain engagement and end the programme with high motivation.
Structure
Each week includes:
3 fully themed bucket sessions
Predictable structure to support understanding
Opportunities for repetition and progression
Sensory-rich, visually engaging activities
Built-in anticipation and shared moments
Social Skills for Autism Workbook
The resource is designed for young people, aged 12+, who have social and communication related difficulties. It may benefit those with Autism or Neurodiversities but will also suit a range of learners who find social interaction, relationships, communication and independence more difficult for any reason. The workbook is packed full with 50 pages of activities that are designed to be used in the classroom or at home. This workbook can be used as a programme of work on social skills for learners who wish to develop these skills. It’s important for the teacher or adult working with the learner to check each activity for suitability for their individual student and that the programme is suitable for the individual.
The topics covered include: Knowing Yourself, Relationships, Emotions, Independence and Social Scenarios.
The booklet is in read-only PDF format.
It can be used with compatible text-to-speech software and coloured backgrounds have been used on most pages so that the booklet is dyslexia-friendly.
Attention Autism progress tracking sheet
An Excel spreadsheet to track the progress of students targeted for Attention Autism intervention using RAG (Red, Amber, Green) rating.
Autism Awareness. ASD. SEN.
Autism Awareness. **
ASD
SEN**
This is an interactive lesson to help both raise awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as to help students understand what it may be like to experience some of the potential characteristics of Autism.
This presentation can be used in Tutorial or Study Skills and can also be valuable in Units 2, and 12 of Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate in Health and Social Care
All instructions on how to carry out activities can be found in notes. The different activities include:
experiencing sensory overload
barriers to communication
creating timetables to support routines
creating Wordclouds/ posters to raise further awareness
ASD Now and Next boards
Now and next boards for pupils with ASD - Now and Next's should be used for activities for example Now is writing Next is reward time. These should be printed out and laminated.
Autism Social Skills Older Students
Autism Social Skills Older Students
Autism social skills worksheets with real pictures designed for older students, tweens, and middle school learners to practice SEL, emotional regulation, flexible thinking, and problem-solving skills.
This resource includes 30 printable worksheets created specifically for autistic learners, special education students, visual learners, speech therapy groups, and middle school SEL support. Each page uses a realistic social situation, one authentic photo, and three answer choices to help students practice calm, respectful, and socially appropriate responses.
Unlike many social skills resources that feel too young for older learners, these activities use realistic tween and middle school situations that are more age-respectful and relatable.
The activities focus on:
social skills
emotional regulation
flexible thinking
problem solving
friendship skills
online communication
social-emotional learning
What Is Included
30 printable worksheets
Real-life tween and middle school photo scenarios
3 answer choices per page
“Color or check” response format
Simple “What’s Happening?” explanations
US Letter PDF format
Topics Included
School & classroom situations
Friendship challenges
Emotional regulation
Flexible thinking
Community independence
Digital and online social situations
How Teachers Can Use This Resource
Teachers, therapists, and counselors can use these worksheets for:
SEL lessons
social skills groups
speech and language sessions
counseling support
autism support programs
behavior intervention
independent work
one-to-one instruction
Students read the social situation, examine the realistic photo, and choose the most respectful or helpful response.
Target Students
Ideal for:
autistic learners
tweens and middle school students
special education students
visual learners
students needing emotional regulation support
speech and language students
students working on social-emotional learning skills
Recommended for:
Ages 9–14
Grades 4–8
The realistic visuals, age-appropriate situations, and predictable structure help reduce visual overload while supporting meaningful social-emotional learning for older students.
Autism (ASD) Screener
A simple ASD screener for primary and secondary school pupils.
Please note, this screener does not provide a confirmed diagnosis of ASD but is designed to help professionals/families to identify whether an individual may be presenting with some of the behaviours typical of an individual with ASD. The results of this screener then may help to evidence a referral for a neurodevelopmental assessment if it is felt this would be necessary. Please note, the questions below are taken from a combination of the following documents: DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria for ASD, SRS-2 ASD Questionnaire, NHS NDD Teacher Observations Questionnaire. Please remember, the autism spectrum is not linear and it is common for an individual to show more difficulties in one area than another.
This was created by an inclusion coordinator of a multi-academy trust and an experienced SENDCO.
Rainbow Fish with widgit symbols and 4 activities Special Education ASD
Hello Educators!
•This is a PPP of the story The Rainbow Fish (with a few changes)
•Curriculum Links: Literacy, PSHE (friendship, sharing, emotions)
•Topic Links: Sea Animals, Under the Sea, Rainbow, Colours, Friendship etc.
•Props you need: Fish, starfish, Octopus, Glitter for the scales, torch for the cave, emotion cards for the emotions.
• Visual board with Widgit symbols is included.
• Word mat file is included.
•Number Visual for the PPP activity (1-12).
•4 extension activities are included in this pack!
-Activity 1: Counting Rainbowfish
-Activity 2: Bingo mats (Vocabulary)
-Activity 3: PPP counting fish (1-5) PMLD and SLD Level
-Activity 4: Connect picture to visual SLD Level
Enjoy and do not forget to follow me:
Instagram: Special_Education_Classroom
Facebook: Special Education Classroom Group and Page
Monkey Puzzle Adapted story for ASD and communication needs
A simplified version of Monkey Puzzle supported with widget symbols to aid reading.
Additional symbols throughout to support comprehension and symbols to answer questions and teach the words yes/no.
Individual communication boards to be used to engage listeners and monitor comprehension while reading.
Understanding and Managing Procrastination | Executive Function | Autism | ASD
This structured PDF presentation (full lesson) is designed for individuals with ASD and executive functioning deficits. It explores why procrastination happens, including emotional avoidance, time blindness, and dopamine-driven reward differences, and teaches practical, evidence-based strategies for starting and completing delayed tasks.
What is covered:
What Is Procrastination — the difference between procrastination and laziness
Why Do We Procrastinate — emotional avoidance, task size, distant deadlines, and short-term relief
Why This Can Be Harder for Individuals with ASD — task initiation difficulty, distress tolerance, time blindness, and dopamine-driven hyperfocus
The Universal Struggle — reassurance that procrastination is one of the most common human experiences
What Procrastination Struggles Can Look Like — recognising the signs before they build
Examples — the overdue email, and the assignment left too late
Strategies for Reducing Procrastination — the Five-Minute Start, Temptation Bundling, the Next Physical Action, and Precommitment
Evidence-Based Techniques — Temporal Motivation Theory and Task Splitting, and Self-Compassion research
Practice Scenarios and Generalised Feedback — realistic scenarios with feedback
Practical Tips and Key Takeaways
Suitable for:
Individuals with ASD and executive functioning deficits aged 13+
1:1 sessions or small group work
SEN specialists, instructors, support workers, and parents
Format: PDF presentation
Session time: Approximately 50 minutes
All content uses clear, literal, and neutral language throughout. Resources are universally applicable, with no political, ideological, or religious content.
SLEducation — Where rehearsal meets real life…
Tags:
procrastination, understanding procrastination, managing procrastination, executive function skills, executive functioning autism, ASD executive function, procrastination autism, task avoidance autism, dopamine and autism, hyperfocus autism, time blindness autism, self-compassion strategies, CBT procrastination strategies, special education executive function, SEN executive functioning resource, autism life skills 13+, evidence-based autism strategies, work skills autism, study skills autism, executive function presentation, ADHD
Attention Autism Pocket Guide
A little pocket guide for finding your way around Attention Autism for beginners.
Attention Autism is an intervention created by Gina Davies with the idea to support children on the Autistic spectrum focus and maintain attention. This is a little pocket guide I originally created for a friend of mine with information that I found online and collated together. It has some of the aims and rules of Attention Autism and also some great ideas for Stage 2 and 3. A handy guide to have.
Originally this guide was printed A5, laminated and bound with a key ring.
Kind Hands Social Story for Autism ASD
Teach kindness, safe behaviour and positive social interactions with this engaging, child-friendly social story.
This professionally designed Kind Hands Social Story helps children understand how to use kind hands, kind words and safe choices when interacting with others. Created with autistic learners and children with additional needs in mind, it uses simple language, colourful visuals and clear, structured sections to support understanding and emotional regulation.
Ideal for use in schools, nurseries, SEND settings, intervention groups and at home.
This resource includes:
Professionally illustrated social story
Child-friendly visual symbols
Positive behaviour prompts
Kind hands and kind words reminders
Safe choices for managing big emotions
Editable space for a child’s name
High-quality A4 printable format
Perfect for:
Autism (ASD)
SEN / SEND
EYFS
KS1
KS2
Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH)
Special schools
Mainstream classrooms
Home education
This resource encourages children to build empathy, develop positive friendships and learn appropriate ways to manage emotions while promoting a safe and supportive learning environment.
Keywords: Autism, ASD, SEND, SEN, Social Story, Kind Hands, Positive Behaviour, Emotional Regulation, Social Skills, Visual Supports, Classroom Behaviour, EYFS, KS1, KS2, Printable Resource.












