ABSTRACT

All About Autism is an accessible and informative guide for secondary school teachers, designed to increase their knowledge and understanding of autism and enhance their toolkit with practical, adaptable strategies to support autistic learners in their care.

The book initially explores key traits and terminology, debunks myths and misconceptions, and shines a light on the strengths and abilities of autistic learners. It then introduces readers to a range of easy-to-implement ideas for practice and concrete solutions to provide further support, all with the child at the heart. All About Autism includes:

  • Practical strategies tailored to the secondary key stages with current research broken down into easily digestible chunks
  • A focus on adaptive teaching and how to implement key strategies in different subject areas
  • Guidance on a range of topics, from supporting students with mental health and anxiety to managing group work, class work, writing difficulties, homework and exams
  • Strategies to support an understanding of puberty, relationships and sex education
  • Approaches to foster autistic pride and to promote positive attitudes to diversity in all its forms
  • Easy to dip in and out of chapters with signposting to further research, resources and support

Taking a celebratory approach, the guide focuses on difference rather than deficit and weaves together the voices of autistic learners and parents alongside practical examples of what high-quality and adapted teaching should look like. It will be essential reading for all secondary school educators, SENCOs and parents who are supporting autistic learners aged 11-16.

chapter |12 pages

Introduction

part 1|30 pages

How I do things differently

chapter 1|6 pages

Communication

chapter 2|6 pages

Social Interaction

chapter 3|4 pages

Masking and Spoon Theory

chapter 4|12 pages

The autistic sensory experience

part 2|68 pages

Teaching autistic children

chapter 5|6 pages

Getting it right from the start

chapter 6|7 pages

Quick wins for teaching autistic children

chapter 7|14 pages

More about learning

chapter 8|5 pages

Revision, tests and exams

chapter 9|14 pages

Behaviour and mental health

chapter 10|11 pages

Puberty and identity

chapter 11|5 pages

Transitions

chapter 12|4 pages

Additional Resources