"Being different may be cool" - On the Autistic Spectrum

30 minutes Subject(s): Special Needs Role(s): Teacher, Governor, Headteacher/Senior Manager, NQT, Teaching Assistant, Administrative and Support Staff, Responsibility Posts Including pupils with autism may be very challenging for teachers. And for the pupils themselves school life may be a blooming, buzzing confusion of uncertainty. This programme presents an honest account of life with autism from the perspective of Luke, Joe and Ben, all of whom have the disorder. Their mother Jacqui is outspoken and articulate about how teachers can support pupils with these difficulties and the boys are extremely candid about how their autism affects them. For Luke, who has written two books himself, there are many positives. He describes brother Joe as "the most imaginative person you could ever meet" and Ben as "the nicest and most honest kid". Jacqui and the boys share their candid ideas about living with autism and we talk to teachers who are working with Joe and Ben to ensure they are included in school life. There's also an exercise, devised by Luke, to help teachers imagine what the world is like for people with autistic spectrum disorders. See the resources and support materials page for links relating to this programme, as well as useful publications.

Synopsis Including pupils with autism may be very challenging for teachers. And for the pupils themselves school life may be a blooming, buzzing confusion of uncertainty. This programme presents an honest account of life with autism from the perspective of Luke, Joe and Ben, all of whom have the disorder. Their mother Jacqui is outspoken and articulate about how teachers can support pupils with these difficulties and the boys are extremely candid about how their autism affects them. For Luke, who has written two books himself, there are many positives. He describes brother Joe as "the most imaginative person you could ever meet" and Ben as "the nicest and most honest kid". Jacqui and the boys share their candid ideas about living with autism and we talk to teachers who are working with Joe and Ben to ensure they are included in school life. There's also an exercise, devised by Luke, to help teachers imagine what the world is like for people with autistic spectrum disorders. See the resources and support materials page for links relating to this programme, as well as useful publications.