Communication/ Interaction
What is an Autistic Spectrum Disorder?
An Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong developmental disability that affects the way a person communicates and perceives the world around them. In all cases the child or young person will have difficulties in at least the three following areas:
- Language and Communication
- Rigidity of thought and behaviour
- Social interaction
In addition the child with an ASD may also have significant difficulties in the following areas:
- Cognitive ability and skills (including attention, perception, generalisation, sequencing, memory and problem solving)
- Sensory experiences
- Motor skills
- General behaviour
- Independence skills
What does the Specialist Advisory Teaching Service (ASD) do?
We work directly with teachers, Teaching Assistants. We sometimes work directly with young people in the age range 0-19 undertaking assessments to help inform us of their wider needs and monitor their progress and development. We may model approaches for school staff.
We provide:
- Consultation and advice to staff in schools and Early years settings.
- Consultation to Parents and Carers.
- Advice/Support and training to parents of Pre – School children through the EarlyBird Programme.
- Advice regarding interventions and approaches for individual pupils.
- The Educational Advice that is required for all Statutory Assessment's of children's Special Educational Needs.
- Contribute to Annual Reviews of children with Statements of Special Educational Needs.
- Work with other agencies within Children’s Services, the voluntary sector and health.
- Tailor made Inset training to Schools to address difficulties experienced by their students.
- Autism Awareness training (A Whole day session).
- Autism Exchange (2 x two hour forum sessions held each half term).
How can I contact a Specialist Advisory Teacher?
Each Area has ASD Specialist Advisory Teachers and current contacts are listed in the guide to The Specialist Advisory Teaching Service For schools, referrals are via the standard Access & Inclusion Referral Form obtained from the county website.