Throughout the day, Prep students are engaged in a variety of learning in a diverse array of activities, routines and environments as they participate in the Prep curriculum. Moving through these activities and routines smoothly each day is a challenge for many students, but more so for those students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who may experience the following:
- anxiety relating to being unable to accurately predict transitions, changes and outcomes
- extreme confusion due to difficulties comprehending what they are actually meant to do within specific activities or routines
- communication break downs arising from auditory processing difficulties and flexible thinking challenges
- sensory sensations which may interfere with learning
- difficulties processing and responding appropriately to the social demands of group learning.
Establishing day-to-day routines and recognising and addressing some of the challenges students with ASD may face during their day will go a long way towards reducing or preventing challenging behaviours such as physical outbursts, tantrums, crying, withdrawal and other stress and anxiety related behaviours.
Possible issues students with ASD may experience, reasons why particular behaviours may occur and suggested strategies are outlined in the following routines:
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Before the bell
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Starting the day
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Group and mat time
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Packing up and finishing tasks
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Eating and getting ready to play
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Outside play-time
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Classroom activities
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Specialist lessons
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Supply teachers
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Ending the day.
Further information