ABSTRACT

Schools are complex systems; staff working within them need to consider how to plan together to provide a consistent environment that reflects the pupils particular needs and is conducive to their well-being. Schools should give consideration to pupils with autism in their special education needs (SEN) policy. It is important that all members of the school staff be given information about the pupil and awareness training in autism. All staff should understand the reasons for agreed strategies and the importance of a consistent approach. When a pupil with autism joins a mainstream school, it is helpful to make a number of considerations in order to meet the needs of pupils with areas of difference, i.e., social interaction, social communication, social imagination and sensory differences. The pupil with autism will encounter many people in school, who will need to have an understanding of their condition.