Sharon Crump Acton Park Junior School –

Speech and Language Unit.

7th November 2008

Speech and Language Impairment and Autism

“….sometimes it’s like I’m a wasp trapped in a jar. I can see and hear the people all around me but every time I try to get into their world I just keep buzzing and bumping against the glass”

Paul, 41 has Asperger SyndromeThe National Autistic Society

Scenario 1

How would you speak to the child?

What would you say to him?

When would you speak to him?

Why comment at all?

Getting to really know the child in your care?

Case Study Identifying your difficulties – not

the child’sHaving a goal and ways to achieve

itNever missing an opportunity –

however small

Skills for lifeInformation and Instructions

broken down into small parts with each bit being specific and positive.

Don’t take anything for granted if it has not been taught he/she will not know it.

Accept only behaviour which is the norm for your schools setting.

Accepting grey areas – life is not all black and white.

Working with the family

Being aware of home life No problem is too smallSinging from the same

hymn sheet!Encompassing all –

educating siblingsBeing a shoulder to cry on.

Scenario 2What essential information do we need

toshare with them?

What skills will they need to be given?

How can we underpin the support given to

the child?

Sharing expertiseSocial Use of language – Friends

GroupCo-ordination sessionsOutside agenciesTrainingResource basketsBeing one step ahead – learning

from experience

My child has semantic and pragmatic difficulties. What are they?

Semantics –Pragmatics-Indirect speech-Essential Words-

GTCW Chartered Teacher Pilot– ‘Talk for

thought’

Social scenarios are often talked through with others and when

discussing a topic in school such as World War II or the

Celts we think and talk about life in the past. But do we talk mathematics and if not why

not?

Scenario 3How would you share them?What reasons would you give for Sharing them in this particular

way?Can this be written in a

mathematicalway?Is talking for thought a valuable

life skill?

In Conclusion“ These children show a surprising sensitivity to the personality of the teacher. However difficult they are

even under optimal conditions, they can be guided and taught, but only

those who give them true understanding and genuine

affection, people who show kindness towards them and yes humour.”

Hans Asperger 1944

Thank you for listening.

Any Questions?