Moving to a new school can be a daunting prospect for the child with Asperger syndrome, and parents are often left feeling powerless to help prevent the anxiety and loss of confidence which may ensue.Clare Lawrence's new book provides parents of children with Asperger syndrome with practical advice on how to prepare their child for moving to a new school, and how to help make the transition as smooth as possible. A wide range of material is covered, including useful guidance on choosing the right school, supporting the child during the period prior to the move, and identifying and practising the different social rules and expectations of the new school. Strategies covered in the book include working out a transition time-line, identifying a named adult and 'safe haven' at the school, and effective communication between parents, teachers and support staff.This clear and accessible book will be an invaluable resource for parents of children with AS who are moving to a new school, and will also be of interest to the teachers and education professionals who work with them.
CONTENTS:Introduction. 1. Planning the Move. 1.1. Identifying the problem. 1.2. Planning ahead - the ''2-year plan''. 1.3. Choosing the new school. 1.4. Involving wider autism professionals. 1.5. Preparing your child. 2. Before Moving On. 2.1. Collecting your data (what has worked up to now?). 2.2. Sharing information about your child. 2.3. Visiting the new school. 2.4. Collecting support information - photos, maps, curriculum textbooks, planners. 2.5. Identifying a named adult and 'safe haven'. 2.6. Identifying sensory difficulties and 'flagging them up' to the new school. 2.7. Identifying useful technologies. 2.8. Identifying key skills to be developed (and habits to be broken) and working them into the Education Plan. 2.9. Encouraging the 'named adult' to visit the current school. 2.10. Working out a 'transition time-line' with clear identification of responsibilities for all involved. 2.11. Dealing with rumour. 2.12. Adapting current strategies that work for supporting transition. 2.13. Utilising existing AS community of school. 2.14. Familiarising your child with the school and the concept of the school. 3. The Holidays. 3.1. Looking at strategies to minimise distress at leaving the old school. 3.2. Providing preparation and support during the holiday period. 3.3. Addressing practical issues. 3.4. Taking on a project. 3.5. Identifying and practising the different social 'rules' and expectations of the new school. 4. The First Days. 4.1. Considering a flexi-start. 4.2. Using support. 4.3. Checking his needs have been understood. 4.4. Providing practical and organisational support. 4.5. Monitoring and supporting homework. 4.6. Helping with management of workload. 4.7. Facilitating communication. 4.8. Ensuring that the 'simple' supports are in place (and remain so). 4.9. Accessing transition support from 'Asperger community' of school. 4.10. Evaluating the first days. 5. Into the Future. Appendix: Transition Check-list. Further Reading. Index.
Moving schools for children on the spectrum can be a positive experience if approached in the right way. It requires an understanding of autism, knowledge of the individual child and planning. This book provides both parents and teachers with some excellent tips and strategies to make a successful school transition possible.
