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The staffroom

Whether you're a permanent teacher, supply teacher or student teacher, you'll find others in the same situation on our Staffroom forum.

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Original poster

Anyone here a sen 1-1 with an autistic child in reception?

11 replies

Vajazzler · 17/09/2014 22:05

I have recently got a job as a TA in a school but was unexpectedly promoted to 1-1 for an autistic child who was joining the reception class. So far he has been in school one hour a day for the last 6 days and next week that's going up to 2 hrs a day. I have been asked to come up with a plan on how to fill the 2 hrs and I'm shamelessly asking for ideas! He doesn't speak more than a few words when he chooses and communicates by leading my hand to what he wants. He loves water music and sensory activities.
Also any other tips, ideas, reading recommendations or training ideas gratefully received!

OP posts:

Original poster

Vajazzler · 18/09/2014 07:56

Bumping for the morning crowd

OP posts:

redfiatyellowfiat · 18/09/2014 08:07

You need to ask to go on some training. Have a google around your local area. My ds's school often puts on free training, so it may be worth looking at the indi ASD schools. (I'm a teacher with an ASD ds btw)

Ask his parents for advice as to how they communicate with him - it's very important to do that as they will know what works. Ask for a meeting or home visit.

Special needs children board on MN is also a good place to ask for advice.

ChillySundays · 18/09/2014 14:03

Not a teacher but surely the SENCO should be helping you especially since you have only be a TA for a short while

PandasRock · 18/09/2014 14:07

Thank you for asking, and it's great you are interested, but why are you the 1:1 for is child if you don't have a clue? Well-meaning and interested is not enough, and you should not have been put in the position without any training.

Does the child have a file with any information at all you could read through? A statement? Info from an Early Years Senco, or a follow on from his pre-school placement?

Isthatwhatdemonsdo · 18/09/2014 17:22

Your reception teacher should have planning for him already. That should not be down to you if you've only just come into the job without prior experience. Ask your school for some training and your
Senco should be helping you with activities for the child too.

izmir14 · 18/09/2014 18:14

Hello,
If you would like to do some research on autism, The National Autistic Society
has an excellent website. You may want to look at 'Working with people with Autism', then click on 'Early years and autism'.

I hope that you will get all the support and information you need with your new role. All the best!x

Original poster

Vajazzler · 18/09/2014 18:59

Thanks for everyone's comments. Izmir I will look on that website thank you. When he started with us it was assumed it was a temporary stopgap while his EHC plan was finalized and that his needs would be deemed severe enough to warrant a place at a special school that can support him better but the Ed psyc visited this week and she didn't think he would get a place.
PandasRock to be honest I'm not sure! I was employed as a regular TA but unexpectedly this child joined us and I was offered the role.
I have read through his reports from a specialist and his previous setting. I've set up a routine and we are following it each day. The specialist (who has worked with him for 2yrs) said to keep things simple and stick to the routine every day.

OP posts:

ChillySundays · 18/09/2014 19:59

Don't want to and don't mean to be patronising but actually fair play for stepping up and taking the role on.

The fact you are asking for help shows that you care and want t do a good job.
Good luck! Hope all goes well

Original poster

Vajazzler · 18/09/2014 20:15

Thanks Chilly I do want to do a good job. Everyone has to start somewhere and I intend to be the best support I can to his education.

OP posts:

Machakos · 18/09/2014 20:54

A visual timetable, using objects, photographs or symbols, depending on his level of understanding would help him.

First...then cards (First we do , then __(something he enjoys).

I would also contact SALT (or ask SENCo) for some PECS training (Picture Exchange System).

Use his interests as rewards and motivators.

Also does he have any sensory issues - it could be worth referring (SENCo again) for an OT sensory assessment, if not already done?

Will keep thinking and will post again of I come up with any more ideas.

tshirtsuntan · 18/09/2014 22:10

As machakos said using pecs and a visual timetable really can help, try using the communication in print app, type in what you do/what he likes and make up cards to use on a timetable/ now and next strip. Find out as much as you can about him as a person and enjoy the ride! Best of luck.

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