ABSTRACT

Pupils on the autistic spectrum are mainly educated in mainstream schools with a minority being placed in special schools. Adults on the autism spectrum maintain that the goal of education should not be to change their 'way of being' to make them into typical individuals, but to acknowledge and appreciate their differences and create environments in which they can thrive. The guidance that follows aims to achieve the above. Most children with special educational needs have strengths and difficulties in one, some or all of the areas of speech, language and communication. Their communication needs may be both diverse and complex. These children may require some, or all, of the following: Help and support in acquiring literacy skills, Help in organising and co-ordinating spoken and written English to aid cognition, Help with sequencing and organisational skills, Help with problem solving and developing concepts, Programmes to aid improvement of fine and gross motor competencies.