ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the different types of difficulties experienced by pupils with Autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) and helps practitioners to understand their diverse needs. There is a wide variation in the level of social interaction observed, depending on cognitive ability, level of language skills, personality and situation. Difficulties arise owing to impaired understanding of the two-way nature of communication and interaction and how other people think and feel. Social stories were the idea of Carol Gray from the USA. Individual stories are written for pupils, which will teach them the appropriate way to behave or react in a particular social situation. Restorative practice is intended to illustrate to an individual that their behaviour has consequences for others and making restitution for their actions. This approach may be difficult for some pupils with autism due to difficulties with social understanding and recognising the consequences of their actions.
