What is Autism?
Autism is a lifelong condition which affects how a person interacts with others and the world around them. Autism is a spectrum condition, the characteristics of which vary greatly from one individual to another. This means every person with autism will be different. Some people with autism need little or no help and some people need help with their daily activities.
The key areas of difficulty for a person with autism are:
- Social communication and interaction
- Sensory Sensitivity
- Restrictive and repetitive patterns of behaviour
Autism is often referred to as ‘Autism Spectrum Disorder’ or ‘ASD’. At Redriff School we use the term ‘Autism Spectrum Condition’ (ASC). The school embraces inclusion and our ethos focuses on the positive contributions of those with autism. Therefore the possible negative associations attached to the term ‘disorder’ are not in line with our school’s positive view of autism. We aim to highlight the positive contributions those with Autism make and celebrate these; for example in 2021 Autism Acceptance Week the whole school explored the idea of autism being a ‘Superpower’ considering how special interests and other aspects of ASC can enable people with autism to achieve even more than if they did not have autism.
National Autistic Society Accreditation
Redriff School has been awarded Autism Accreditation by The National Autistic Society, the UK’s leading charity for people on the autism spectrum and their families. The award was given in recognition of the school’s good autism practice.
The National Autistic Society Autism Accreditation is the UK’s only autism specific programme. The accreditation demonstrates Redriff’s ongoing commitment to ensuring we continue to develop and provide the best autism specific practice. The accreditation report recognises the bespoke way we support each child and ensuring inclusion is achieved through whole school approaches. These include teachers using Makaton, adapting worksheets to include symbols, and a commitment to developing all staff and children’s understanding of autism.
If you would like more information regarding the National Autistic Society please follow the link below:
Speech and Language Therapy
Children with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Condition have access to specialist teaching and interventions led by the Autism team. This includes a Speech and Language Therapist, Sarah Parsons. Sarah works with all children who have Autism to support their speech and language needs. Sarah and a small team of skilled teaching assistants deliver a range of therapy across the school. This can be on a whole school level, in small groups and with individual children. See here for more information.
Parent Workshops
At Redriff we offer a wide range of opportunities for parents to develop their understanding of autism and also to access training.
Tea and Talk is an informal meeting open to all parents of Redriff whose child has autism. The Tea and Talk sessions are held monthly throughout the school year. They are an opportunity for families to share experiences and information with each other. Those who attend shape the focus of the sessions and the SEN team respond to their requests and needs. For example, we may organise for a member of the SEN team to share information on a specific area, such as how to use visual structures at home or understanding attention autism.
Autism Acceptance Week
Autism Acceptance Week is a whole school celebration week in which staff, children and the wider school community come together to celebrate individuality in line with Redriff’s whole school values. Autism Acceptance Week is an opportunity to spread acceptance and understanding of autism and celebrate what children with autism bring to the Redriff community. Each year there is a different focus and a week of special classes, assemblies, activities and events.
