Autism & PDA | Learners Trust Support | Primary School Support

Autism & PDA

Autism

Some tips to help to support learning for a child with Autism:

Use visual timetables, now and then boards (check the tools page), prepare them for any changes
Give visual instruction - children learn by seeing
Give time for a child to process what you have said, keep instructions clear and repeat
Be creative - tap into their interested e.g. Minecraft Maths
let them use fiddle toys to help them concentrate
Give lots of movement breaks, develop a sensory diet that works for you (see sensory and well being sections)
Be calm patient and don't shout
Be flexible what works one day may not work the next
Use social stories to talk about the changes
Support their friendships and social interactions
Practice turn taking games
Give warnings and count downs before moving onto something new
Have a calm place to withdraw if it get to much
Understand your child's sensory issues and triggers

PDA

Some tips to help to support learning for a child with PDA:

Reduce demands
Ignore extreme behaviour, just carry on as if nothing is happening
Give clear reasons for non negotiable boundaries
Use negotiation, collaboration and flexibility
Use indirect commands such e.g. Maybe we could, lets investigate
Don't use terms such as you have to, you need to
Get them to teach - can you help me? will you show me?
Have quiet zones and relaxation techniques
Offer controlled choices e.g. shall we do English or Maths first?
Use social stories to talk about changes
Use visual timetables, now and then boards (check the tools page)
Use puzzles and mysteries to keep them interested, tap into their interests
Avoid confrontation
Be flexible what works one day might not work the next

Useful information sources

https://www.autism.org.uk/

https://www.autismeastmidlands.org.uk/

https://www.autism-alliance.org.uk/

https://www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk/

https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/

Child at Psychologist

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