Tools for Schools
Did you know that between the 29th March-4th April is World Autism Awareness week?
The aim of World Autism Awareness Week is to shine a light on autism to increase awareness about people and especially children who have autism. With increased awareness comes increased understanding which can have a major impact on including our autistic pupils in our school communities.
Will you be celebrating World Autism Awareness Week in your school? Why don’t you take this opportunity to raise awareness of autism in your school?
Here are just a few ideas you might like to consider:
…Yes they are all autistic! Do you know who they are and what they are famous for?
How about sharing film clips with staff and pupils? – Here are some short film clips regularly shared in West Sussex schools:
Autism: Amazing Things Happen is a fun animation explaining how autistic brains work differently – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbwRrVw-CRo
My autism and Me – a Newsround special is a film made by Rosie King when she was 13 years old and wanted to give people a greater understanding of the range of differences within the autism spectrum. Every autistic person is different – https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/health-15689138 or on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejpWWP1HNGQ
There are also a range of ready-made resources for schools:
Due to the lockdown in March last year, many schools were unable to take part in World Autism Awareness Week 2020. The National Autistic Society are making their learning resources available again this year, for World Autism Awareness Week 2021 – https://www.autism.org.uk/get-involved/raise-money/world-autism-awareness-wee
Twinkl have lots to offer too including fact sheets, posters and lesson plans for a range of ages – https://www.twinkl.co.uk/event/world-autism-awareness-day-2021
The WSCC Autism and Social Communication Team can give further information, guidance and support about developing understanding of autism to pupils, through staff training and a whole school approach. Email [email protected] and ask for more information on the “Autism Ambassadors approach”
