Sue Larkey Blog

HOW TO ENGAGE DISENGAGED STUDENTS WITH ​AUTISM, ADHD & NEURODIVERSITY Subscribe to this podcast via your favourite app Join my newsletter for more awesome information about ASDIncreasing engagement ➡️ SUCCESS! In this podcast I talk about how to increase engagement, including: ✨ Professor Skinner's 5 main obstacles to learning ✨ Encouraging Independence (click to jump to this section) ✨ Top Tips to Keeping on Task (click to jump to this section) ✨ Why making Mistakes is Frustrating (click to jump to this section) ✨ Task Analysis (click to jump to this section) ✨ Rewards (click to jump to this section)   This year all my new workshops focus on engagement and participation to increase success for all. Join me for a Live Virtual Workshop or an Online Course - whichever learning style suits you best!Renowned psychologist Professor Skinner identified 5 main obstacles to learning: 1. Fear of failure Encourage independence (p34 Big Blue Book) Why making mistakes is frustrating...

Step by Step Strategies to Grow and Support Communication ​using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Subscribe to this podcast via your favourite app Join my newsletter for more awesome information about ASDDiscussed in this podcast with guest Chris McDonald: ✅ Social Initiative PicSeePal ✅ What is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and how can it be used effectively in the classroom? ✅ "REAP what you SOW" tip sheet - download available here!Reap what you sow Tip Sheet By Chris McDonaldRecognise existing skills and abilities.Engage with likes and interests.Activate the power of visual supports.Playfully foster communication.Systems - set up, implement, review and adjust.Our growth as communication partners.Winning and success into young adulthood.This is just the tip of the iceberg! Click here to download the PDF of the full tipsheet.   Check out My Book on Communication!Free AAC Resources Websites https://praacticalaac.org/...

Webinar replay - 13 key strategies for ​setting up your classroom Subscribe to this podcast via your favourite app Join my newsletter for more awesome information about ASDMy Live Webinar last week was a success! But it's not too late - sign up HERE to watch the Replay of the hour of power! FREE sign up includes: 🎆 E-book 🎆 Webinar Replay 🎆 Handout   What will you learn in the Webinar? 10:00 – Number 1 Question I ask myself when I go into classrooms 27:38 – What Skills does sitting really require ?  (Hint…… Not listening and Sitting Still) 38:10 – Top Tip to Try over the next week 54:00 – Recess & Lunch Breaks. Why we need different strategies 13 Key STRATEGIES FOR SETTING UP YOUR CLASSROOM Excerpt from the free E-book Setting Up Your Classroom For Success by Sue Larkey1. Position in ClassroomSeating, mat time, assembly, parades, etc. Have a set position for the student which takes into account: Who they are next to Where in the room or group they are How close they are...

SETTING UP YOUR CLASSROOM ​FOR SUCCESS Subscribe to this podcast via your favourite app Join my newsletter for more awesome information about ASDSetting up your classroom at the start of the year for a new class with diverse learners is always a challenge. I am hoping to help you with a New E-Book, Webinar & Podcast filled with quick tips and strategies to make 2021 a Success.   NEW E-book (NO COST) with 97+ Tips & Strategies Download the free E-book so you can read along while I explain in this weeks Podcast. What you will learn: ✅  18 Ways to Set Up a Classroom / Structures ✅  How to Support Motor Skills ✅  3 Steps to IEPs ✅  9 Essential Strategies for Homework ✅  How & Why to use Visuals ✅  Why you need to know about Interception ✅  Understanding Sensory Needs ✅  6 Key Strategies for Secondary SchoolTHIS THURSDAY  11th Feb I have a Live Virtual Webinar (NO COST) where I will talk through the 13 Key Tips to Setting Up for Classroom for Success. 1 Hour of Power...

13 SEPARATION ANXIETY TIPS FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS Subscribe to this podcast via your favourite app Join my newsletter for more awesome information about ASD  🎉 WOOO HOOOO! Episode 💯!!! Can't believe we're here already! 🎉. In this week's podcast I discuss my Top13 Tips for separation anxiety & How I use them. 🎉 As an Episode 💯 special I reached out to my online Facebook community for more advice and solutions.  13 Separation Anxiety Tips By Sue LarkeySeparation anxiety from people, friends, objects and pets is really common for children with special needs. I came up with these 13 tips just for you, as well as reaching out to my online Facebook community for more examples!1.    Transition starts the day before. I talk about this a lot - you may recognise it from my Live Virtual Events in 2020! Don't forget I'm running these Live Virtual Events again this term! 2.    Use transitional objects. These can be from home or waiting at school.3.    Have a routine. Stop problems...

Why traditional behaviour strategies don't work for children with autism Subscribe to this podcast via your favourite app Join my newsletter for more awesome information about ASD Traditional behaviour strategies (including ignoring, consequences, counting to 3 and timeout) often don't work for children with autism, ADHD, ODD and PDA. These strategies are effective for neurotypical children who are better at regulating their own emotions, however children with special needs are often very literal thinkers and struggle with the mind reading and problem solving that these strategies require. 3 Golden Rules By Sue LarkeyNot every strategy works for every child.Strategies wear out. Use them until they stop working but be ready to adapt if they stop being effective.To know someone with autism is not to know autism. Everyone works differently and autism is a big spectrum. Social scripts. (Don't know what social scripts are? CLICK HERE to find out more) Say "what to do" instead of "what...

MY CHILD JUST GOT DIAGNOSED WITH AUTISM Subscribe to this podcast via your favourite app Join my newsletter for more awesome information about ASD In this week's podcast I discuss Moving Forward verses Moving On How to create an  ‘Elevator Pitch” What to do when people offer “advice” Why grief is different for everyone   Further Tipsheets and podcasts on diagnosis 8 Strategies for Self-Care Excerpt from page 122 of The Ultimate Guide to Home and School By Sue LarkeyIt’s important that parents/carers look after themselves and other relationships when looking after someone on the autism spectrum. Taking care of yourself is not being selfish, it’s a necessity. Don’t feel guilty for wanting some time out! Being emotionally strong allows you to be the best parent you can be for your child.Deal with stress in a positive way. My main tip is to prepare yourself for situations that will cause you stress and have pre-prepared answers /actions to use in stressful situations.Use respite...

8 KEY WAYS TO BUILD RAPPORT WITH STUDENTS WITH AUTISM Subscribe to this podcast via your favourite app Join my newsletter for more awesome information about ASD The whole team including the teacher, teacher assistant, administration staff and leadership team should work towards building a strong relationship with the student.   In our experience often the student only develops a strong relationship with the teacher. This is limiting as the student needs to be able to respond to other staff in the playground and often leadership teams are involved in behaviour management.  A strong relationship with the student means that the student will be more receptive to teaching opportunities and will retain more information. 8 Key ways to build rapport Excerpt from The Ultimate Guide to Home and School By Sue LarkeyGet to know the student and his or her interests (see student profile page 31).Develop a summary profile of the student so everyone is aware of the student's triggers.Know the...