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Autistic Spectrum
Disorder
(ASD)
The child with ASD will exhibit the following characteristics to varying
degrees:
Difficulties in communicating with peers and adults
Rigid Behaviour patterns
Difficulties with social interaction
This is often called The Triad of Impairments.
ASD has been found to affect significantly more boys than girls.
Most children with ASD are supported within a mainstream environment and can
generally cope well without the need for a Statement.
Systematic observation and assessment of the child will yield valuable
information on his or her individual needs. With a child who has a medical diagnosis
of ASD:
targets will address the
development and teaching of social skills, as well as any other needs the child
may have. Advice can be sought from the medical based agency who carried out
the assessment as well as from your school EP.
Each child is different and will have individual needs which should be
addressed appropriately. However, broadly speaking, the IEP for a child with
ASD should address the Triad of Impairments as well as any other learning
needs. When drawing up the IEP your EP can help you to set targets for the
child. In addition, your EP can provide advice on setting up suitable
programmes to help the child to develop the necessary skills.
HOW CAN PARENTS HELP?
Parents are particularly important in helping to devise and monitor the targets
as they know their child better than anybody else. It is vital to work
closely with parents in devising and implementing strategies for inclusion on
the IEP.
Ged Balmer
Chartered Educational Psychologist
Cert. Ed., BSc.(Hons), MSc.,
C. Psychol., AFBPsS.
British Psychological Society No: 34097
in collaboration with colleagues
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Chartered Educational Psychologist
"advice, assessment and an independent opinion"