Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a term that covers the range of ways that autism can present itself from person to person. It is a lifelong condition and affects the way the person experiences the world around them. Although each person is different, ASD impacts on communication, social interaction and processing of information. Some people may have challenges which appear quite subtle, whereas others may experience more complex and visible difficulties requiring more significant support.

ASD is diagnosed by clinical assessments carried out by CAMHS following a referral made by your child’s GP.

At Alva Academy ASN we consult both Speech and Language Therapists and Educational Psychologists when appropriate to ensure that we are supporting all learners across their subjects and that their needs are being met.

Alva Academy ASN supports learners with ASD in their learning by:

• working with teaching staff to chunk down tasks

• promoting the use concrete and visual learning materials

• offering our ASN common room at break and lunchtimes as an alternative to main social areas which can be busy

• offering our quiet sensory space when requiring regulation time

Extra support for learners with ASD can also be suggested for when the young person sits their SQA examinations.