Understanding difficulties at break time and lunchtime for pupils with an autism spectrum disorder Author: Patricia Thorpe ISBN: 978 1 89928 086 5 Code: NAS 540 £1.00 excl. vat £1.00 incl. vat

"A useful perspective on break time with lots of great suggestions. Easy to read and grounded in common sense. I wouldn't change a thing."
Matthew Hesmondhalgh, The Resource, Sheffield

Break times can be the most difficult times for young people with autism as they are much less structured than lessons and offer opportunities for bullies. Patricia spoke to her own pupils with autism and found out what had worked for them. She has also written helpful booklets on anti-bullying strategies and moving from primary to secondary school, both also published by The National Autistic Society. Patricia worked for many years with pupils with Asperger syndrome in a secondary school in East Anglia. Patricia now works with adults with autism and learning difficulties.

Published by The National Autistic Society, 2004, 16pp, A5 leaflet

Review

This is an excellent and precise guide for all school staff to read and particularly important for lunch time support staff who may not have met children with autistic spectrum disorders.

Parents reading this booklet will, I feel, be confident that everything that can be put into place for their child is being done!

The guide is clearly written, and in a fashion which is easily understood. The content is excellent and provides ideas which are guidelines, but can easily be tailored to suit the needs of specific children.

The writer obviously knows these children well. I particularly liked the lunch time club item. The fact that she understood that not all children will want to do drama but might love the idea of being involved behind the scenes shows great understanding.

At my own school we already use the suggestions set out in the booklet, with the exception of the social skills/self-esteem classes. The idea of collecting pictures showing emotions is something we can try in the future! In addition to the card system showing details of where to go, etc we issue an 'early lunch' pass, which allows our children with special needs to jump the queue, and makes time for them to attend other activities such as choir.

The booklet is excellent value for money and is the first time I have ever seen ideas set down in writing about how to support children during their free time. Lunch times are something we take for granted and yet this unstructured time is torture for some of our children, who miss the rules of the classroom.

I am sure this booklet will be of great value to both teaching and non-teaching staff in schools. New members of staff will feel more confident and aware of where problems can occur. If we can pre-empt problems, it makes life easier all round for these complex but very rewarding children.

Judith Colley
SEN Teaching Assistant
Judith is the author of Working with an Asperger pupil in secondary schools and Going on trips with an Asperger pupil, both also available through NAS Publications