Autism is a spectrum condition that affects how a person communicates with others and how they interpret the world around them. There are around 700,000 people in the UK with autism – more than 1 in every 100. Having an autism specialist who has a clear understanding of the misconceptions, diagnoses and support surrounding autism can prove highly beneficial to your setting.
Supporting with Behaviours
Having an austism specialist who understands certain behaviours can help to decrease any challenging behaviours such as frustrated outbursts using various different methods. Similarly, they will be able to increase positive behaviours such as communicating well with others or paying attention well.
Reducing Anxiety
Those children who do have autism spectrum disorder also tend to have a lot of anxiety. Having someone there who understands these needs can really help reduce their worries and feel more comfortable. Autism specialists use sensory and speech therapy, fun games, and various exercises that can help to reduce stress.
Improving Fitness
An ASD specialist will know how to engage a child more in fitness games or activities that can improve their fitness, self-esteem and social skills. This is a great way to reduce stress and help with their general well-being.
Early Detection Supports Moving Up to School
Since more staff are being trained in understanding autism and the signs to look out for, early detection and diagnosis rates for ASD have risen rapidly over the past decade. Being able to detect this early will be a huge support to them to get the help they need during nursery and as they prepare for school. Plenty of children that do not get an early diagnosis often struggle with feeling frustrated, especially if they don’t know why they may be different from their peers.
Specialised Support
No two people with autism spectrum disorder are the same. Those who have an understanding of ASD identify the specific needs of each child to give them the right support. It may be that the child needs extra help with frustrations or outbursts or the focus may be on social skills or other areas.
With many educational systems being mostly one-size-fits-all, this more tailored and holistic approach is incredibly important for children with ASD.
Peer Support
Being able to offer support for someone whose child has autism spectrum disorder can help the parents feel supported, especially if you are able to put them in contact with other families who may be part of groups outside of the nursery to offer wider support whilst they are at home. Families also tend to forget their own worries and needs, so being able to offer them speialised care can mean a lot to them.
Want to know more?
If you would like to develop your knowledge and understanding about autism or know someone at your setting who would be ideal for this training, take a look at our course here and get in touch to apply.
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