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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
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 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"