Barriers in School

Meet Susie, a 5-year-old girl with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who’s about to start school. To ensure a successful transition, Susie’s parents and educators focus on addressing barriers and implementing facilitators. Here’s how they support her:

1. Collaborative approach: Susie’s parents and teachers work closely together, sharing information and strategies for her unique needs.
2. Individualized transition plan: They create a personalized plan with specific goals and accommodations to integrate Susie into the school environment.
3. Parent education: Susie’s parents attend workshops and training sessions provided by the school to better understand ASD and learn effective techniques for support at home.
4. Sensory-friendly environment: Susie’s classroom is designed to be sensory-friendly, offering noise-reducing headphones and a quiet area for breaks.
5. Visual supports: Teachers use visual schedules and picture cards to help Susie understand and follow daily routines.
6. Peer buddy system: Susie is paired with a friendly classmate who assists her in navigating social situations and promotes inclusion.
7. Speech therapy: Susie receives speech therapy sessions at school to enhance her communication skills and address language barriers.
8. Ongoing communication: Susie’s teacher maintains regular contact with her parents, providing progress updates and discussing any challenges or adjustments.

By fostering collaboration, individualized support, an inclusive environment, and specialized therapies, Susie experiences a successful transition into school. Her story highlights the importance of a collaborative and inclusive approach for children with ASD.