ABSTRACT
The provision of carefully tailored Continuing Professional Development (CPD) will help to build colleagues confidence in this area and develop a consistent approach through the school. An outline plan of CPD sessions might incorporate objectives such as ensuring that colleagues have: A sound knowledge of the issues involved, the ability to identify children with autism, the confidence to ask experienced colleagues for help and advice, and a range of strategies to meet individual needs and reduce barriers to learning. The method of delivering professional development will depend on particular factors relating to the school as a whole, and to individual teachers and Teaching assistant (TAs). A schools Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo) is often the best person to plan and deliver such training however, as he or she knows the school, the staff and the children, and can ensure that information and advice offered is relevant and appropriate.
