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autism singing choice board

Colourful semantics singing board to support communication

I do a singing session at the end of every day with my class of children with autism. Previously the children were taking turns to choose from a choice of song symbols and now I have moved them on to choosing whether to ‘watch’ an interactive version of the song on the interactive  whiteboard or ‘sing’ the song. The verb is colour coded yellow and the song is green to help the children place the …

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visual timetables children with autism

Visual timetables to help autistic children

Visual timetables aid transitions by enabling children with autism to understand what they will be doing next or where they will be going. Visual timetables enable children to be independent and can motivate children by making it clear what will be happening in the day. The child removes the next symbol from the timetable and travels with it to a board by the next transition point (i.e the classroom door, next too or on the classroom table …

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Understanding the medical and social model of disability

The Paralympics have made an incredible impact on society and has got people talking positively about disability! Understanding the medical and social model of disability is important not just for people directly involved with a child or adult with a disability but for everyone in society in order to build positive attitudes and a better understanding. Here is a short assignment I wrote a few years ago whilst studying inclusion and disability. Understanding the Medical and Social Model of …

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iPad App: Cause and Effect Sensory Light Box

I recently purchased the iPad app ‘Cause and Effect Sensory Light Box’ for £1.49 and I would recommend it to any parent of children with autism and/or severe learning difficulties or teacher using iPads in the classroom. The app has 21 different scenes with abstract visuals and high quality audio which encourage the development and awareness of touch through open-ended exploration and play. All of the scenes have different responses to taps, strokes and multiple finger and …

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Attention Autism stage 1 attention bucket video

Attention bucket for children with autism (Attention Autism)

After using the idea of an ‘attention bucket’, I looked further into the Attention Autism approach and found this inspiring video of a talk by the founder, Gina Davies. The Attention Autism approach focuses on developing attention and listening skills and giving the children “an irresistible invitation to learn”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbsKmMH0XjI ‘Attention Bucket’ An ‘attention bucket’ is a bucket full of motivating and exciting toys and gadgets which will be of high interest to the children. Gina suggests that …

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