Where Can I get information About Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASDs)?

There are a wide variety of sources where one can access information related to ASDs, including the following:

These videos are from the CD-ROM - Autistic Spectrum Disorder - A Teacher's Toolkit - A joint initiative by the Department of Education, PAPA, the Department of Education and Science and ISA.

Information Sheet on Autistic Spectrum Disorders

Drawing of a boy holding a flower The SESS has compiled an information sheet on autistic spectrum disorders (PDF - 180 KB) [2]. Definitions are presented, common characteristics are detailed and teaching tips are suggested. References are also provided for books, CD’s and websites which teachers may find of use. Click here for the ASD information sheet [3]

Video Clips related to the Triad of Impairments - Crown Copyright

Boy relaxing with his hands behind his head looking at a clay model

Students with ASDs are described as sharing a triad of impairments that affects their ability to understand and use non-verbal and verbal communication, understand social behaviour – which affects their ability to interact with other students and adults – and think and behave flexibly – which may be shown in restricted, obsessional or repetitive activities. This triad may be described as a tripartite cluster of specific abnormal patterns of social, communicative and thought behaviours. It has been suggested that an additional dimension related to difficulties in processing sensory information might also be added to the triad. Video clips from the CD-ROM - Autistic Spectrum Disorder - A Teacher's Toolkit - (a joint initiative by the Department of Education, PAPA, the Department of Education and Science and ISA - Crown Copyright) can be viewed in relation to the following:

Impairments in social interaction.

Impairments in language and communication.

Impairments in imagination, with a restricted range of behavioural activities and interests.

Impairments in social imagination and thought.

'Kids on the block', Inc
Autism Awareness Programme

Cartoon kids with the title "The Kids on the Block"

Any queries related to this programme should be directed to the SESS.

SESS contact details [4]

Kids on the Block is an educational puppet programme which aims to teach children about disability and difference, to foster positive attitudes and to promote inclusion. The 'Kids on the Block's' style of puppetry is based on the Japanese theatre form called Bunraku. During the puppet performance children are given the opportunity to direct questions to the puppets in relation to the themed disability or special educational need. The Bunraku style of puppetry is extremely effective in creating an atmosphere where children feel comfortable asking questions about the topic.

The Kids on the Block, Inc. originated in America in 1977 in direct response to US Public Law 94-142, which required that children with disabilities be educated in the least restrictive environment. For many children, this meant being included in a classroom with their non-disabled peers. The Special Education Support Service is piloting this programme in a number of mainstream primary schools to enlighten pupils on issues related to disability awareness, medical, educational differences and social concerns, thus contributing to the creation of the inclusive school.

More information of the programme can be viewed at the Kids on the Block website [5]

My Story - Opening the Spectrum

$Image of a prism refracting light with a black background$

The following samples of ‘My Story’ relate to specific pupils with ASDs and the key learning points and teaching strategies employed to support their learning.

These stories are from ‘Opening the Spectrum – Insights into working with pupils on the autistic spectrum’(Cross-Border Professional Exchange Programme under PEACE II)

Guidelines/CDs forwarded to schools related to Autism

Image of boy playing with building blocks

A range of publications is available to assist teachers in mediating the curriculum for children with ASDs.

Department of Education (Northern Ireland) Autism Working Group (2003) Autistic Spectrum Disorders: A Guide to Classroom Practice (PDF - 562 KB) [11]. In March 2004 the SESS issued all schools with a copy of this booklet.
Autistic Spectrum Disorder - A Teacher's Toolkit CD. This is a joint initiative produced by the DES, the Department of Education (Northern Ireland), the Irish Society for Autism, and PAPA (Parents and Professionals and Autism) (Northern Ireland). All schools were forwarded copies of this CD.
NCCA Guidelines for teachers of students with mild general learning disabilities: primary (Communication and Language) [PDF - 288KB] [12]
Guidelines on the Individual Educational Plan process (NCSE)(PDF - 1.70 MB) [13]

Other Books/CDs/Video

Image of a stack of books with a cd

A further / additional reading list related to ASDs (PDF - 112 KB) [14]
CD-ROM - Autistic Spectrum Disorder - A Teacher's Toolkit - A joint initiative by the Department of Education, PAPA, the Department of Education and Science and ISA. All schools were forwarded this CD-ROM.
Autism – An Introduction. This video is available from the Irish Society for Autism, Unity Buildings, 16/17 Lower O' Connell Street, Dublin 1. (01-8744684).

Online video/audio clips

Image of paper cut outs in the shape of people

Secondary Special Needs - Understanding Autism [15]
Twenty-year-old John Simpson, who himself is on the autistic spectrum, guides us through the theory and reality of life for many ASD pupils at secondary school. John is keen to help raise awareness to ensure future generations of pupils with ASD get more from a mainstream school environment. As well as sharing his own story, he speaks to Autism West Midlands' Sue Hatton about the condition, and Mike Collins from the National Autistic Society, who reveals the terms used to describe people on the spectrum.
Secondary Special Needs – Inclusion and Autism [16]
Four boys on the autistic spectrum are observed during their school day to see how their individual needs are met by both mainstream and specialist staff. Difficulties relating to autism can be made worse by the busy secondary environment. Complete inclusion of pupils with ASD into school life can be difficult to achieve. The challenges of ASD are discussed by inclusion manager Craig Smith and mainstream teachers, and learning support practitioners demonstrate how they help in class.
The Truth About Autism: Scientists Reconsider What They Think They Know [17]
This is an interesting link that relates to an individual with ASD and the whole area of intelligence testing. Michelle Dawson and Mottron are referred to and they are doing some research in this area.
Live Interview with Elaine Hall (Autism: The Musical Inspiration) [18]
Elaine has been called “mother” to son Neal, and the media have deemed her, “The Child Whisperer”, based on the extraordinary and compelling theater arts program she innovated for children like Neal, with Autism called, “The Miracle Project”, and the awe inspiring results the work has delivered.

Online articles

Drawing of a policeman wiht the title CABHAIR

The April 2007 issue of the SESS newsletter CABHAIR [19] included an insert where Emer Ring, Senior Inspector, Department of Education and Science, described the recent evaluation of educational provision for pupils with ASDs (PDF - 976 KB) [20] and suggested practical school-based strategies and resources for teachers in meeting children's needs.
Dr. Temple Grandin is a noted author and speaker who was diagnosed with autism in the 1950s. Here she details her experience with visual thinking sensory problems and communication difficulties. Dr. Grandin has also written an article entitled 'An Inside View on Autism' which can be accessed here
How to Teach Pivotal Behaviors to Children with AUTISM: A Training Manual. The purpose of this manual is to show individuals who interact with children with autism how to provide treatment that is easy to implement and readily usable in community settings. A copy of this manual is available here
An article on Asperger Syndrome (PDF - 20 KB) [21] written by Rosalyn Lord. She is the parent of a 12 year old son diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome. The article covers an explanation of the disorder, key features and helpful strategies.

Art, poetry, songs and writings

The exhibition ‘WAAD-don’t ‘dis’ the ability’(PDF - 153 KB) [22] will be featured at the United Nations, New York, in recognition of World Autism Awareness Day.
Welcome to Holland [23] by Emily Perl Kingsley is a classic commentary on the experience of raising a child with a disability.
Loving Autism [24] is a poem by Jamie Knopik which describes a different kind of world seen by a child with autism.
A variety of other poems and writings [25] – some written by people with autism
Download 'Open Every Door' - the song for autism [26]

About Autism