Retrieval Practice: Supporting SLD Students Teaching students with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) is as much about creativity and understanding as it is about specific pedagogical approaches. It can feel overwhelming to find methods that work for a diverse group of learners. Yet, amidst the noise of educational trends, one approach stands out for its simplicity … Read more
Societal stigma and misconceptions about autism play a significant role in perpetuating parental blame. This is our second article based on the new ADASS research project which includes a section that demonstrates how cultural attitudes and beliefs shape the perception of autistic individuals and their families. This can often lead to harmful stereotypes that result … Read more
Transforming Professional Practices and Service Systems in Schools to Better Support Autistic Children and Their Families Creating an inclusive and supportive educational environment for autistic children requires a systemic overhaul that goes beyond superficial adjustments. This comprehensive plan outlines steps schools can take to transform their practices, ensuring they not only support autistic pupils but … Read more
A Guide for Parents Facing Blame With Their Autistic Child The experience of raising a child with autism can be a challenging and rewarding journey. However, for many parents, the path is fraught with misunderstanding, judgement, and, often, blame from the very professionals they turn to for support. This article, drawing from our own experiences … Read more
Non-Verbal Learning Disability (NVLD) Non-Verbal Learning Disability (NVLD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by a distinct profile of cognitive strengths and weaknesses. This comprehensive overview will explore various aspects of NVLD, including its definition, symptoms, manifestation in adults, relationship with autism spectrum disorders, strategies for management, potential causes, diagnostic procedures, subtypes, and available support … Read more
Compulsive Posting in Autistic Children: Structured Strategies Autistic Children often engage in sensory-seeking behaviours that may seem puzzling or even frustrating for parents and teachers. One such behaviour, compulsive “posting,” involves placing small items into gaps or spaces, leading to the loss of toys, puzzle pieces, PECS symbols and pencils. If you’re finding that your … Read more
Understanding Figurative Language and Autism in the Classroom The traditional narrative around autism and figurative language has long focused on perceived deficits. However, recent scholarship, particularly Damian Milton’s double empathy theory, suggests we need a paradigm shift in how we conceptualise these challenges. What if the difficulty lies not solely with autistic individuals, but in … Read more
Understanding the Function of Communication When we think about communication, we often focus on spoken language – the daily exchange of words and sentences that fills our lives. However, communication serves far deeper and more varied purposes than simply exchanging information. From a baby’s first cry to a CEO’s keynote speech, from a reassuring touch … Read more
Face Recognition and Social Communication: The Impact on Nonverbal Interaction Face recognition is an integral part of human social interaction, playing a crucial role in nonverbal communication. We rely on faces to identify individuals, interpret their emotions, infer their intentions, and respond appropriately. However, for some individuals on the autism spectrum, navigating the complexities of … Read more
Understanding the Spectrum of Face Recognition Abilities in Autistic Individuals This article explores the varied face processing abilities observed in autistic individuals. It will examine research findings, specifically from Kamensek et al. (2023), to highlight the distribution of face recognition abilities within the autistic population and the implications of this variability for understanding autism. The … Read more
What Is Therapeutic Play? Therapeutic play is a distinct form of play that goes beyond the enjoyment and creativity typically associated with general play. It is intentionally designed to support specific developmental and emotional regulation goals while preserving the child’s autonomy and intrinsic motivation. Unlike conventional play, which may focus primarily on entertainment or leisure, … Read more
Supporting Autistic Children Through Disappointment: A Parent’s Guide As parents, we all want to shield our children from the pain of disappointment. However, disappointment is an inevitable part of life, and learning to cope with it is a crucial skill for emotional resilience and personal growth. For autistic children, who may struggle with unexpected change, … Read more
Managing Food-Related Challenges in Schools Part 2: Supporting Mealtimes in Educational Settings Mealtimes in educational settings present unique opportunities and challenges. Creating supportive, inclusive mealtime environments requires careful consideration of physical, emotional, and social factors. We go into more detail about some of the elements discussed here in Snack Time: Communication & Interaction This article … Read more
Managing Food-Related Challenges in Schools: Understanding Relationships with Food Understanding children’s relationships with food requires a nuanced, compassionate approach that acknowledges the complex interplay between neurology, sensory processing, past experiences, and environmental factors. In educational settings, it’s crucial to move beyond simplified notions of ‘fussy eating’ or ‘bad behaviour’ to recognise that every child’s food … Read more
Embracing Flexibility: A Guide for Parents of Autistic Children on Managing Cancelled Plans As parents of autistic children, we understand that routine and predictability often provide a sense of comfort and security. However, life has a way of throwing curveballs, and cancelled plans can be particularly challenging for our autistic loved ones. This article aims … Read more
Dynamic Thinking and Autism: Adaptive Skills in Children Dynamic thinking, the ability to adapt thoughts and behaviors in response to changing situations, is a crucial skill for navigating daily life. While many children develop this skill naturally, those with autism may require additional support and guidance. This article explores strategies to foster dynamic thinking in … Read more
Decoding Your Child’s World: Using Personal Construct Theory to Improve Communication with Autistic Children Have you ever felt like you were talking to your child in a foreign language, even when you were both speaking English? You tell your teenager, “Clean your room, it’s a disaster!” fully intending to motivate them, but are met with … Read more
Your Neurodivergent Child: A Parent’s Guide to the Double Empathy Problem This guide expands on the concept of the double empathy problem specifically for parents of autistic children. Understanding this concept can transform your relationship with your child and empower you to better support their needs. Understanding Neurodiversity The first step is shifting your perspective … Read more
Autism & Anxiety: 3 Strategies to Support Intolerance of Uncertainty in the Classroom Intolerance of Uncertainty (IU) is a significant aspect of autistic cognition that can present challenges for students in academic settings. Characterized by heightened anxiety and distress when faced with unknown or unpredictable situations, IU can impact a student’s learning, engagement, and overall … Read more
Understanding Anxiety in Autistic Children: A Guide for Parents Anxiety is a common experience for many children, but for autistic children, it can be particularly challenging. This article aims to provide parents with a deeper understanding of how specific cognitive differences often associated with autism can contribute to feelings of anxiety in their children. Recognizing … Read more
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