A resource pack for school staff

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.

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.

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.

Adapted Book with Widgit Symbols | ASD, Autism, SEND & SEN Reading Resource Make reading accessible, engaging, and enjoyable with this book adapted using Widgit Symbols. Designed to support children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), speech and language needs, learning difficulties, and emerging readers, this resource combines clear text with visual symbols to improve understanding and confidence. Widgit Symbols provide consistent visual support that helps learners understand vocabulary, follow the story, and develop communication, literacy, and comprehension skills. Symbol-supported text is widely used in schools to make reading more accessible for children with communication and language needs. This resource is ideal for: Children with Autism (ASD) SEND and SEN learners Non-verbal and minimally verbal learners Speech and Language Therapy sessions Special education classrooms Mainstream classrooms with inclusive practice Home learning and homeschooling Early readers and English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners Benefits: ✔ Adapted with Widgit Symbols for improved comprehension ✔ Supports visual learners ✔ Encourages vocabulary development ✔ Builds reading confidence ✔ Promotes communication and language skills ✔ Ideal for individual, small group, or whole-class activities ✔ Ready to print and use This adapted book is perfect for teachers, teaching assistants, SENCOs, speech and language therapists, and parents looking for engaging, inclusive reading resources that help children access stories independently. Widgit Symbols are commonly used to support communication, literacy, and understanding across educational settings.

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.

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

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.

Colourful semantics to go with 23 CVC words. I split these into 4 words per week (one week, has 3 words) and we work on spelling these words and using them in sentences, but this can be easily adapted if you wanted to use more words per week. I have included colourful semantics boards, from the basic Who, What doing, What, to more complex Who, What doing, What, Where, Why. I have laminated these for my class and differentiate so some of the students complete only the 3 word sentences and some complete the 4 or 5 word sentences, but using the same pictures. I have included 3 pictures of examples of students using the boards and words (I hav blanked out student names)

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Symbols for lessons to create specific timetables. Symbols can be cut up, laminated, velcroed etc. This ensures that pupils know what to expect during the day and this can particularly support pupils with SEN, behavioural difficulties or anxiety. Symbolised timetables can be tailoured for the individual pupil or can be displayed for the whole class to see. Simple attached to a strip of velcro. Widget SEND SEN Symbols.

Cut out and laminate to create a coin recognition/matching task. Match pictures to pictures or match pictures to value.

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.

**Autism Awareness Day aims to increase awareness and understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This includes educating people about the challenges faced by individuals with ASD, as well as promoting acceptance and inclusion of those with the condition. By raising awareness and promoting understanding, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive society for individuals with ASD. **

This presentation on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) provides an overview of what ASD is, including its key characteristics and how it affects learners. It focuses on strategies for developing positive relationships with students with ASD and offers practical tips for supporting emotional regulation in the classroom. The session also explores how to create supportive environments that cater to the needs of ASD learners, with actionable strategies and advice for educators to implement, ensuring an inclusive and nurturing learning experience for all students.

A comprehensive sensory profile booklet designed to help staff understand, support, and respond to individual sensory needs. A4 and A5 booklet version included. This Sensory Passport Booklet is a practical tool to identify and record a pupil’s sensory preferences across a wide range of areas. It supports consistent, personalised provision in SEND, autism, and SEMH settings. The booklet explores sensory preferences including: Lighting Visual environment Tactile input Sound Oral sensory needs Smell Body awareness / proprioception Movement Environment Temperature People / social preferences Each section allows adults to identify preferences such as deep pressure, minimalist environments, quiet spaces, heavy work, fidget tools, weighted equipment, and more. Why Use a Sensory Passport? Supports individualised provision Helps reduce sensory overwhelm Promotes emotional regulation Improves communication between staff and parents Useful for EHCP evidence and reviews Encourages trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming practice Ideal for: Autism bases SEND classrooms Resource provisions Early Years settings SEMH settings Specialist and mainstream schools This booklet can be completed collaboratively with parents, carers, and professionals to ensure consistent strategies across home and school. Clear, structured, and easy to use, this sensory passport supports understanding rather than behaviour management — helping pupils feel safe, regulated, and ready to learn.