Galway Autism Partnership GAP

A lot children will be shortly returning to school shortly or attending for the first time . Being informed before starting and preparing your child in advance can make a real difference Things that may help 1. Create a social story about going back to school or starting school. If possible use real pictures of the school environment and building. Many children on the autism spectrum have a very literal interpretation of what is communicated to them. Also if your child will be using the school transport scheme you will need to create one for this also. 2.If you child is starting in a new school or starting for the first time . A visit to the school before starting so your child can look around and have some familiarity of the surroundings and meet his/her teacher and other adults who may be working with him her.If this isn't possible request a picture of the teacher from the school to include in social story 3.Sensory processing issues . If you child has sensory processing diffic

Autism Night Before Christmas by Cindy Waeltermann Twas the Night Before Christmas And all through the house The creatures were stirring Yes, even the mouse We tried melatonin And gave a hot bath But the holiday jitters They always distract The children were finally All nestled in bed When nightmares of terror Ran through my OWN head Did I get the right gift The right color And style Would there be a tantrum Or even, maybe, a smile? Our relatives come But they don’t understand The pleasure he gets Just from flapping his hands. “He needs discipline,” they say “Just a well-needed smack, You must learn to parent…” And on goes the attack We smile and nod Because we know deep inside The argument is moot Let them all take a side We know what it’s like To live with the spectrum The struggles and triumphs Achievements, regressions… But what they don’t know And what they don’t see Is the joy that we feel Over simplicity He said “hello” He ate