World Autism Awareness Day – Information, Resources and Tips

 

Today is World Autism Awareness Day. You can learn more about the history of this day here. It forms part of longer weekly and monthly events in several countries.

 

What is Autism?

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterised by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviours, speech and nonverbal communication affecting how a person communicates with others and relates to the world around them. You can find the precise definition from the DSM-5 here. Each person with autism is unique and will have their own set of strengths and challenges. A good guide to autism is available on Therapies for Kids.

 

Pete Wharmby often tweets to teach about autism and is an excellent source of knowledge and information. He explains some with autism view it as a disability while others do not. He notes, however, it can be disabling. It is often co-morbid with other learning disabilities but is not a learning disability in and of itself.

 

Lots of children and adults with autism report being bullied which is why it is so important we promote acceptance, tolerance and respect, and celebrate difference. Because the experience for many people with autism is an expectation they change who they are to fit in, many call for this day to be renamed Autism Acceptance Day, with the ensuing expectation we seek to create a society that is inclusive and comfortable for all. The National Autistic Society in the UK calls for us to be mindful in the language we use when talking about autism.

 

With this idea of inclusivity in mind, Equaliteach have collated a list of book recommendations celebrating various aspects of diversity you may wish to explore with your children. In this blog, 13 year old Simon Celiberti-Byam has collated another useful book list and lots of resources specific to autism, reviewing some of them and sharing what he has learned. It is definitely worth checking out. You may also wish to try these resources to promote understanding of autism put together by the National Autistic Society in the UK.

 

I have also collated some resources that may be helpful to parents of children with autism. These may be useful for many other parents, carers and children too.

 

Promoting Communication and Understanding Covid-19, School Closures and why we must Stay at Home

The advice of AFIRM (Autism Focused Intervention, Resources and Modules) is to adopt the following 7 Support Strategies to help individuals with ASD through these uncertain times: –

1. Support understanding

2. Offer opportunities for expression

3. Prioritise coping and calming skills

4. Maintain routines

5. Build new routines

6. Foster connections (from a distance)

7. Be aware of changing behaviours

 

Access the AFIRM resource booklet here. I highly recommend this resource. Some of these TEACCH tips may also be helpful.

 

For those struggling with changes to routine, this link has advice on schedule changes and social stories relating to this theme. You can download a story about coronavirus here. It is also available in 3 other languages. Pete Wells from Sensory Stories has also created a story about the Covid virus. Another social story, discussing school closures is available here. This story explains the term lockdown to minimise the scary connotations it may have.

 

Creating a visual timetable can be very helpful and these easterseals cards are great for this purpose. Learn about visual supports at Autism Speaks. The National Autistic Society also has advice on the use of visual supports and links to lots of resources, as does the Autism Awareness Centre which offers advice on how to use them, as well as providing a hierarchy of visual supports.

 

Other communication tools and resources you may wish to investigate include: –

• There are free lesson plans, activities and resources to promote language available at AAC Language Lab.

• Boardmaker is offering free coronavirus communication resources.

• Clicker@home reading and writing software is providing free access for schools and children affected by corona closures.

• Free Makaton resources including information on the coronavirus are available.

• Learn about PECS and access free cards here. Twinkl is also offering free access to their communication and PECS cards at this time.

 

Dealing with Anxiety

For children struggling with anxiety in this time of uncertainty, you may wish to trial some of these apps:

• Calm app (free trial available)

• Headspace app

• Mindfulness for Children

• Sleep by Moshi (free 7-day trial of audio bedtime stories)

• Smiling Mind

• Stop, Breathe and Think

 

As I have only used a couple of these, I recommend you check them out before introducing your child to them. If you have used them and can provide a review, please share in the comments.

 

Playing calming music may also be helpful: –

Calming music from the Strong Institute.

There are also lots of calming music soundtracks available on YouTube.

 

Some other resources you may find helpful include: –

• Huge list of sensory integration activties.

• 150 sensory learning ideas from Inclusive Teach. This site has lots of helpful blog posts as well.

• Various Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities resources from the NI curriculum.

• The Charlie Waller Memorial Trust publishes lots of resources on mental health and well-being with sage advice available on topics such as perfectionism, social media and teenagers, and a useful poster on coping with low mood.

• The Southend Psychology Service has collated a huge list of resources, including social stories, emotional health and well-being resources, regulation activities, mindfulness resources and family activities.

• Free SEN resources in a variety of categories from SEN Teacher.

 

Don’t forget to check out the previous blog posts I have written as these have lots of resources that may also be useful to you.

 

• EPIC resource list with links to websites to support various curricular areas.

• Outdoor Games and Activties

• Indoor Games and Activities

• Proomting Speech, Language and Communication

 

Please let me know if you use some brilliant resources other children, parents and carers may benefit from and I will be sure to share. Though we may be isolated at this time, there is lots we can do to develop our awareness and understanding of autism and to ensure than in our words and actions we are accepting and inclusive.

 

 

Take care and stay safe all!