Autism & PDA
Autism
Some tips to help to support learning for a child with Autism:
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Use visual timetables, now and then boards (check the tools page), prepare them for any changes
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Give visual instruction - children learn by seeing
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Give time for a child to process what you have said, keep instructions clear and repeat
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Be creative - tap into their interested e.g. Minecraft Maths
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let them use fiddle toys to help them concentrate
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Give lots of movement breaks, develop a sensory diet that works for you (see sensory and well being sections)
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Be calm patient and don't shout
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Be flexible what works one day may not work the next
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Use social stories to talk about the changes
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Support their friendships and social interactions
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Practice turn taking games
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Give warnings and count downs before moving onto something new
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Have a calm place to withdraw if it get to much
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Understand your child's sensory issues and triggers
PDA
Some tips to help to support learning for a child with PDA:
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Reduce demands
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Ignore extreme behaviour, just carry on as if nothing is happening
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Give clear reasons for non negotiable boundaries
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Use negotiation, collaboration and flexibility
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Use indirect commands such e.g. Maybe we could, lets investigate
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Don't use terms such as you have to, you need to
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Get them to teach - can you help me? will you show me?
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Have quiet zones and relaxation techniques
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Offer controlled choices e.g. shall we do English or Maths first?
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Use social stories to talk about changes
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Use visual timetables, now and then boards (check the tools page)
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Use puzzles and mysteries to keep them interested, tap into their interests
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Avoid confrontation
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Be flexible what works one day might not work the next
Useful information sources
https://www.autismeastmidlands.org.uk/
https://www.autism-alliance.org.uk/
https://www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk/
https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/
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