Education
Topics, in plain language
Topics
Short pages for a first read. They do not diagnose, and they do not replace a person who knows the situation.
Short pages for a first read. They do not say if someone is autistic.
What is autism?
A plain introduction. Autism is a way of processing the world. This page does not diagnose anyone.A short introduction. This page does not say whether someone is autistic.
Everyone
Communication
Speech is one way to communicate. It is not the only way, and it is not a measure of understanding.Speaking is one way to communicate. It is not the only way.
Everyone · Families and carers · Teachers and schools
Sensory differencesSenses
Sound, light, touch, smell, and busy places can take more effort. The useful response is often to change the place.Sound, light, touch, smell, and busy places can be hard. Change the place when you can.
Everyone · Families and carers · Teachers and schools
Routines and change
Knowing what happens next can make a day possible. A change needs a warning and a picture of the new plan.People need to know what happens next. A change needs a warning.
Families and carers · Teachers and schools · Everyone
School
Classroom support works better as a small change the pupil and the family can recognise, not a pile of strategies.School support works better as one small change.
Teachers and schools · Families and carers
Work
Adjustments at work are practical agreements about how the job is done. They are not special treatment.Work changes are agreements about how the job is done.
Autistic people · Professionals
Independent livingLiving independently
Independence can mean the right prompt, the right tool, or the right person nearby. It does not mean doing every step alone.Independence can include a prompt, a tool, or a person nearby.
Autistic people · Families and carers
Family support
Families need one next step more often than they need a complete explanation.Families often need one next step, not a full explanation.
Families and carers
Technology
Technology should add a way to communicate or reduce effort. It should not be sold as a treatment.Technology should help someone communicate or save effort. It is not a treatment.
Everyone · Professionals