Autism Spectrum Disorder and the Transition into Secondary School: A Handbook for Implementing Strategies in the Mainstream School Setting

An effective evidence-based programme, this practical handbook provides everything schools need to make the transition from primary to secondary school as smooth and successful as possible for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The first part of the book explains how to create individualised transition plans for each child, and describes how school staff can collaborate successfully with parents and carers. Part two contains a wealth of practical, photocopiable resources for use directly with pupils on the autism spectrum that help to address their most frequent support needs, including sensory sensitivities, anxiety issues and difficulties with planning and organisation. The resources can be used in a pick and choose way based on the individual needs of the child. Developed and trialled extensively by the Social Communication Disorders Clinic at Great Ormond Street Hospital, this handbook will be an invaluable resource for SENCOs, teachers, autism support workers, educational psychologists and other professionals working with pupils with ASD.

Table of Contents:
Acknowledgements. Introduction and Instructions for Transition Pack. Part One: Creating an Individualised Transition Pack. Part Two: Resource Chapters and Appendices: 1. General Support with Transition to Secondary School. 2. Social interaction. 3. Language Difficulties. 4. Difficulties with Imagination and Flexible Thinking. 5. Bullying. 6. Planning and Organisation Problems. 7. Sensory Sensitivities. 8. Anxiety. 9. Challenging Behaviour. 10. More than Just One Condition and ASD (Comorbidity). References. Appendix 1. Adult Screening Questionnaire. Appendix 2. Child - Transition Screening Questionnaire. Appendix 3. Transition Management Plan. Appendix 4. Pupil Profile. Appendix 5. How Does the Triad of Impairments Present in the Classroom?. Appendix 6. Turn-Taking. Appendix 7. Rules in Conversation and Rules When Entering a Group. Appendix 8. Social StoriesTM. Appendix 9. Circle of Friends. Appendix 10. Personalized Timetable. Appendix 11. Prompt Cards. Appendix 12. Lunch Time Activity Timetable. Appendix 13. Buddy System. Appendix 14. Emotional Thermometer. Appendix 15. Emotional Toolbox. Appendix 16. Star Record Form. Appendix 17. Sensory Equipment. Appendix 18. Bullying Resources. Appendix 19. Pop Appendix Goal, Plan and Review. Appendix 20. Homework. Appendix 21. Explaining the Diagnosis of ASD to the Child - Handout for Parents and Carers. Appendix 22. Relaxation Strategies. Appendix 23. Skills and Abilities Used in Goal Directed Planning and Organisation. Appendix 24. My Transition Workbook for Children.

About the Author :
Marianna Murin is Principal Clinical Psychologist at the National Centre for High Functioning Autism at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Josselyn Hellriegel was previously based at Great Ormond Street Hospital and is now based at Centre of Social Paediatrics and Neuropaediatrics, Vivantes Klinikum Neukölln, Berlin. Dr Will Mandy is Senior Lecturer in Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology at University College London.

Review :
This is an indispensable resource for anyone working with young autistic people. There are so few programmes and resources designed specifically to support young autistic people as they make the transition to secondary school - until now. This handbook describes STEP-ASD, a new programme developed by clinical psychologists at the world-leading Great Ormond Street Hospital, demonstrated to help teachers and professionals ease the transition process for these young people. This book is essential reading for teachers, special needs coordinators, clinicians and parents caring for children with autism spectrum disorders facing the sometimes challenging transition from primary to secondary education. It is clear, knowledgeable and insightful; and contains a wealth of resources and materials that make up a "toolbox" to help practitioners and parents support children through this process. I cannot recommend it more highly.