Thread by @commaficionado

Things that YOU can do to help #autistic children in school. A thread of ideas, titbits of info, things to consider and so on. I hope it's useful and even more importantly, hope it helps some kids cope with the waking nightmare that is 'Neuro-typical Academy' #autismacceptance /1

1. Have your lesson stick to a rigid routine as far as possible. This is good as it arguably is good for all kids, but is a huge benefit to #autistic student. At primary, have a clear daily routine if possible. /1

2. Only have posters and displays if they are actually useful, and don't make them too 'busy'! Simple colour schemes too, rather than rainbows, and if may be worth seating #autistic children away from particularly distracting or detailed displays. /2

3. Keep the class calm and quiet. It's a no brained even without #Autistic children in a class, but you may be ok with hustle and bustle in class - but your #autistic students probably won't be so bear them in mind. /3

4. Make sure at the very least that your #autistic students know about tests and assessments in advance. Do not spring surprises on them! C'mon, we've all been guilty of this... /4

5. Provide a clear list of bullet point reminders before trips, big exams and other key events that will set #autistic children's minds at rest, as worries about these different days are often based on fear of misunderstanding something /5

5. Continued: so it may be a simple FAQ sheet of timings, dates, days, clothing rules, other rules etc. Would alleviate so much worry. /6

6. If you use PowerPoint presentations in class then consider keeping slides nice and neat and simple. So many slides are crazed masses of information that's just wayyyyyy too much, too confusing. /7

7. If you know a fire drill is going to happen, let them know in advance. Also, be with them as you evacuate, reassuring them of what to do as #autistic people, myself included, are liable to waste time in panicking about what is expected. I hate it. /8

8. When on a school trip somewhere new, make sure an #autistic student knows that it's ok if they need to hang out with you or another teacher. Don't force it, they may want to chill with their friends, but make it a clear option. /9

9. Do not shout at them, ever (unless they are about to do something dangerous) as it won't help. Ever. It could destroy trust too. Shouting and loud noise is generally a no-no for #autistic folk. /10

10. Do NOT assume that an #Autistic child won't have friends, or won't have a sense of humour. They are very likely to have both. Might be a small group of friends, and the humour may be quite dark and dry, but these things do not preclude autism. Last time I'm saying it /11

11. #Autistic children might be crap after maths, and awesome at art. So lose those preconceptions. They will, however, likely have firm favourite lessons dude to content or a predictable, empathetic teacher. /12

12. Rigid behaviour policies may need some flexibility, mostly around the area of meltdown. Punishing genuine meltdowns is basically cruel and counterproductive. Talk to parents 5o find likely meltdown patterns and causes. #Autism /13

13. Be highly aware that #autistic children have an extremely strong sense of justice. Thus they are likely to challenge unfair treatment, even for others or on other's behalf. Tackle this how you will, but it's not usually from a bad place. /14

13. Continued: #autistic children are likely to notice inconsistencies in your behaviour management and may comment on it, so be cool and explain if necessary. They will get very cross if they feel that an abuse of power has occurred! /15

14. #autistic children may have developed creative or unusual coping strategies that may not be immediately clear as coping strategies - do be alert and realise that 'odd' behaviour may be a means of getting through the day of an early warning sign. /16

15. #Autistic children may struggle with small demands that appear trivial to you. But to them the demand placed on them may be insurmountable, so beware of using your #growthmindset slogans! Could cause very real stress. /17

15. Continued. #Autistic children may be massively stressed all the time so saying platitudes like 'there's no such thing as can't' or 'failing is part of success' may infuriate, as being good access certain things may be a safe haven more than you could imagine /18

16. Watching a film may not be the treat you imagine for an #autistic child in a lesson at the end of term. The change in routine, noise, sensory explosion of an unasked-for movie may be a bit much. /19