Thread by @commaficionado

Easy fixes that schools can implement today to help their autistic students - a thread just off the top of my head.

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1. Allow autistic children to leave lessons a few minutes early to avoid the rush of lesson changeover. These times can be awful from a sensory point of view. #autistic #education

2. Permit autistic children to use quiet, out of the way spaces during break times. Break and lunch can be the *most* stressful times of day for us, so allowing us to hide in quiet spots can be a lifesaver. #autistic #education

3. Do not force autistic children to work in groups. You're not doing them a favour with this. Being forced into group work can be so overwhelming and distressing that any learning can be completely lost.

Lose the idea that you're 'preparing them' for adult life. #autistic

4. Give autistic students plenty of advance warning about any changes to the usual routine. This includes fire drills and non-uniform days. This makes a huge difference. #autistic #education

5. Be aware that autistic students might struggle to focus and concentrate in lessons with open-ended tasks and no clear direction. Executive dysfunction can make that kind of independent learning very difficult. #autistic #education

6. Permit autistic students to wear a modified uniform if necessary - especially shirt top buttons, ties and hot sweaters or blazers. Be flexible in what is allowed. Sensory sensitivity due to clothing can ruin our focus. #autistic #education

7. Do not insist on eye contact, room tracking or not fidgeting. Doing so will only serve to overwhelm many autistic students, meaning they'll learn nothing whilst trying to meet your rules. #autistic #education

8. Make sure your room isn't overwhelming in terms of sensory sensitivity. Reduce wall clutter as much as practical. No strong smells, including on you. Keep things nice and calm as much as possible. #autistic #education

9. Make expectations absolutely clear and transparent. Avoid all ambiguity about how much work is required for whatever task. Avoid ambiguous or inconsistent behaviour management. Own it if you make an error and tell an autistic student off without cause, and apologise.

10. Take the 'sting' away from the word 'autistic' by educating students about what autism actually is, delivered by an autistic person. Avoid it becoming a taboo subject. #autism #education