Log in

SEND

Simple Steps Towards Autism Friendly Classrooms

Small changes to seating, language and lesson structure that let an autistic student spend their energy on learning instead of on coping.

  • 16 minutes
  • 5 modules
  • 0.5 CPD hours
  • Certificate

Members

Start free trial

14 days free, then £70 a year or £7 a month.

Have a join code from your school?

Already have an account? Sign in

What you'll learn

  • Recognise when an autistic student may be masking how hard the classroom is
  • Adjust seating, screens and quiet spaces to reduce sensory load
  • Give students a way to ask for help without putting their hand up
  • Make the steps of each lesson clear and plan ahead for tricky transitions
  • Involve the student in deciding which adjustments work for them

About this course

Some autistic students show you when a lesson is too much. Others hold it together so well you'd never know, while working flat out to cope with the lighting, the noise, being put on the spot and the next change of task.

You'll learn the four areas where classrooms get hard (sensory, communication and interaction, emotional regulation and transitions) and simple adjustments for each. A visually quieter place to sit. A card to ask for help without putting a hand up. A level tone of voice. A lesson laid out so the student knows what's coming next.

The starting point is always the student. Ask them what helps, give them as much say as you can over the changes, and find out what their SENCO is already working on so you can back it up in your lessons.

  • For early career teachers, governors and 5 other roles. Post-16, primary, secondary and special.

5 modules

Open in order

  1. Intro

    2 min

  2. What makes classrooms challenging for young people with ASC?

    6 min

  3. What can we do to help? Part 1:

    2 min

  4. What can we do to help? Part 2:

    1 question

    6 min

  5. Wrap up

    2 min