Guidelines/CDs available to schools related to Autism
Art, poetry, songs and writings
The Kids on the Block - Puppetry
My Story - Opening the Spectrum
Other References and Publications
Guidelines/CDs available to schools related to Autism
A range of publications is available to assist teachers in mediating the curriculum for children with ASDs.
- 'Autistic Spectrum Disorders: A Guide to Classroom Practice': A copy of this publication was sent to each primary and post-primary school in 2009. Copies can be downloaded from here [PDF 562 KB].
- Autism Working Group (2003) Autistic Spectrum Disorders: A Guide to Classroom Practice, Belfast: Department of Education, Northern Ireland (in March 2004
SESS issued all schools with a copy of this booklet). Download from here [PDF - 536 KB].
- 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 Students with General Learning Disabilities
- Guidelines on the Individual Educational Plan process (NCSE)(PDF - 1.70 MB)
- 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).
- 'Asperger Syndrome: A Practical Guide for Parents, Teachers, Young People and Other Professionals'
This two-hour educational DVD has been produced by Aspire – The Asperger Syndrome Association of Ireland – and provides and introduction to Asperger Syndrome. Further details and an order form can be accessed from the Aspire website. Click here for the Aspire website.
Online video/audio clips
- Secondary Special Needs - Understanding Autism
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
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
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)
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
- The April 2007 issue of the SESS newsletter CABHAIR 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) 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) 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
- Welcome to Holland by Emily Perl Kingsley is a classic commentary on the experience of raising a child with a disability.
- Loving Autism 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 – some written by people with autism
- Download 'Open Every Door' - the song for autism
The Kids on the Block - Puppetry (refer mainly to 'projects' section)
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. 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. Puppetry is extremely effective in creating an atmosphere where children feel comfortable asking questions about the topic.
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
My Story - Opening the Spectrum (refer to 'projects' section)
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)
- Paul's Story (Aged 4)(PDF - 48 KB)
- Samuel’s Story (Aged 10)(PDF - 57 KB)
- Shannon’s Story (Aged 16)(PDF - 46 KB)
- Ben’s Story (Aged 11)(PDF - 92 KB)
- Social Story example (PDF - 526 KB)
World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD)
The United Nations General Assembly has declared April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) in perpetuity. Information on autism is available on the WAAD website.
Click here for World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) website
Other References and Publications
- SESS Information Sheet: The SESS has compiled an information sheet on autistic spectrum disorders. 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 information sheet - PDF - 180 KB).
- Strategies for students to assist in coping with communication challenges (Strategies for students with autistic spectrum disorders to assit them in coping with communication challenges (PDF - 82 KB)
- Examples of communication boards and foders (Examples of communication boards and folders; PDF - 69 KB)
- Resources from Tisha Gonzalez and Cissy Coleman of Building Blox to include free downloads and task ideas (Resources from Tisha Gonzalez and Cissy Coleman)
- The National Centre for Technology in Education (NCTE) (Information from the National Centre for Technology in Education in relation to ICT and ASDs
- Alberto, P.A. and Troutman, A.C. (1998) Applied Behaviour Analysis for Teachers, Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Merrill Prentice Hall.
- Attwood, T. (1998) Asperger's Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
- ASPEN (Asperger Syndrome Education Network (US)), website: http://www.aspennj.org/
- Cumine, V., Leach, J. and Stevenson, G. (1998) Asperger Syndrome: A Practical Guide for Teachers, London: David Fulton Publishers.
- Cumine, V., Leach, J. and Stevenson, G. (2000) Autism in the Early Years: A Practical Guide, London: David Fulton Publishers.
- Department of Education and Science (DES) (2006) An Evaluation of Educational Provision for Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders: A Report by the Inspectorate of the Department of Education and Science, Dublin: The Stationery Office. Click here for the report [PDF, 1Mb].
- Department of Education and Science (DES) (2001) Report of the Task Force on Autism, can be downloaded from: http://www.sess.ie/
- Department of Education and Science (DES), Department of Education Northern Ireland, Irish Society for Autism, and PAPA (Parents & Professionals and Autism) Northern Ireland Autistic Spectrum Disorder – A Teacher's Toolkit CD. (All schools were issued with copies of this CD.)
- Department of Education, Northern Ireland (2005) Evaluating Provision for Autistic Spectrum Disorders in Schools, Belfast: Department of Education Northern Ireland, download from: Evaluating Provision for Autistic Spectrum Disorders in Schools [PDF - 685 KB]
- Department of Education Northern Ireland (2002) Report of the Task Group on Autism, download in sections from: http://www.deni.gov.uk/index
- Gray, S. and White, A.L. (2002) My Social Stories Book, London: Jessica Kingsley.
- Heflin, J.L. and Alaimo, D.F. (2006) Students with Autistic Spectrum Disorders: Effective Instructional Practices, Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Merrill Prentice
Hall.
- Howley, M. and Arnold, E. (2005) Revealing the Hidden Social Code: Social Stories for People with Autistic Spectrum Disorders, London: Jessica Kingsley.
- The Irish Society for Autism – An Introduction (Video), website: http://www.autism.ie/
- Jackson, L. (2002) Freaks, Geeks and Asperger Syndrome: A User Guide to Adolescence, London: Jessica Kingsley.
- Jones, G. (2002) Educational Provision for Children with Autism and Asperger Syndrome: Meeting Their Needs, London: David Fulton Publishers.
- Jordan, R. (2001) Autism with Severe Learning Difficulties: A Guide for Parents and Professionals, London: Souvenir Press.
- Mesibov, G. and Howley, M. (2003) Accessing the Curriculum for Pupils with Autistic Spectrum Disorders: Using the TEACCH Programme to Help Inclusion, London: David Fulton Publishers.
- National Autistic Society (UK), website: http://www.nas.org.uk/
- National Centre for Technology in Education (NCTE) has information pertaining to Information and Communication Technology and ASDs, website: http://www.ncte.ie/
- Powell, S. and Jordan, R. (eds.) (1997) Autism and Learning: A Guide to Good Practice, London: David Fulton Publishers.
- Sandbox Learning: free social skills book in which one can customise text and pictures for students with ASDs to learn social skills, website: http://www.sandbox-learning.com/
- Wolfberg, P.J. (1999) Play and Imagination in Children with Autism, New York: Teachers’ College Press.
- A further recommended reading list for teachers (recommended reading list; PDF - 113)