Advisory Service for children on the Autism Spectrum
NB The term ASD is used throughout this document. Sub-groups within the spectrum such
Asperger Syndrome, High Functioning Autism, Classical/Kanner’s Autism are now all under the
collective umbrella term Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). All share the same key differences
regardless of language or cognitive ability.
Supporting children and young people with Autism and related conditions to achieve social
inclusion, meet their educational potential and go on to make a positive contribution to the wider
community
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Who is our service for?
What do we do?
Transition support
Support for families
Training
How do we work?
Further Information
Contacts
Who is our service for?
Children and young people with a confirmed diagnosis of ASD at all Key Stages, their families and
other professionals working to support them.
Students referred for assessment but not yet seen, where all are confident that likely outcome is
diagnosis and family totally on board may be referred to the Advisory Service
Students where family not on board but others convinced – consultation only without names
Parents – pre and post diagnosis, in school, at SNAP, Bexley NAS, Bexley Voice
What do we do?
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Support schools to include children and young people with ASD
Advise on strategies and resources
Work alongside staff in schools to help meet the needs of these children and young people
Support families where ASD is having a significant impact on the lives of other family
members
Transition support
The Autism Team are able to offer programmes of support in times of significant change and
transition at all Key Stages. Support is offered to those young people who meet the criteria and
may experience the greatest difficulty with transfer and change. We support Phase Transfer and
run a transition programme specifically designed to support year 6 pupils transferring to
secondary. This includes: support and resources for schools to run a 6 session course of study
skills, secondary school orientation visits, individualised school information booklet and follow up
support on entry to year 7. A parent information meeting is held to accompany the Study Skills
course.
Support for families
The Autism Team works in partnership with locality-based parent support and provides training
and advice to families.
Training
We offer training tailored to the needs of your school or organisation covering the following areas:
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Understanding of Autism
Tools for inclusion
Promoting emotional wellbeing for pupils on Autistic Spectrum
Promoting effective communication and social interaction skills
Understanding sensory sensitivities and practical solutions
How do we work?
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Referrals made by school SENco/Inco with parental agreement and signature on referral
form
Referrals can be made at time the child is referred to AAS, (usually if child is presenting
with significant difficulties) - some prefer to wait for the formal diagnosis
Referral acknowledged and list of suggestions to implement with the child sent to school
A member of ASD team will make an appointment to visit the school, observe the child,
gather information from staff and often meet with parents to discuss autism and what we
can offer
How is support organised?
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All children referred to service have initial assessment to determine level of support /
intervention
Intervention targets set with setting and home if appropriate
Ongoing support will typically be delivered by Specialist ASD Support
Termly / Twice yearly planning meetings between specialist team and schools to monitor
progress / plan further for support
We allocate our time according to criteria based on individual need
We allocate teaching assistants to support schools to work with pupils at times of transition
and change. This is done on a priority basis and is reviewed regularly.
We work with schools and other professionals as part of a multi-agency team around the
child for prioritised pupils
We provide training and advice to schools
Further Information - Contact
Advisory Teachers
Name: Joan Ratcliff / Tracy McDonald
Tel: 0203 045 5003 / 5019
Email: joan.ratcliff@bexley.gov.uk / tracy.mcdonald@bexley.gov.uk