Schools Get More Support for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Schools are receiving a new resource to help them support students with autism spectrum disorder.

The Developing and Implementing Programming for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder guide is a practical tool for teachers, school staff and support teams to help them meet the needs of students on the autism spectrum.

"As a province, we have committed to helping people with autism and their families throughout their lives," said Education Minister Ramona Jennex. "This guide is another way to help our schools work with each student's strengths and challenges and give them the support they need to succeed."

The guide includes information on how students with autism learn, and practical strategies for teaching. It addresses working with challenging behaviour and handling transition issues such as moving from one activity to the next, which children with autism often find difficult.

It also features tips to help schools and parents communicate well and provide co-ordinated support.

"This resource is a unique blend of solid information and practical strategies, and it will be used often," said Anne Sangster, learning centre teacher at Auburn Drive High School. "It will help to deepen my understanding of autism spectrum disorder and my appreciation and awareness of how students with ASD learn."

Teachers, school board autism specialists, Education Department staff and health professionals helped develop the guide, which also draws on research and best practices from other provinces.

"Having this resource in schools across Nova Scotia will help inform assessment and programming for students with ASD," said Dr. Susan Bryson, professor and Craig Chair in Autism Research at the IWK Health Centre and Dalhousie University. "It will be a valuable reference for school staff and families who are working together to ensure that young people with ASD get the best possible education."

Every school in Nova Scotia will receive the new guide. The province also provides targeted funding to school boards for resources and professional development related to autism, as well as transition planning for children on the autism spectrum who are entering school.

The new guide is available at studentservices.ednet.ns.ca .