Starting school for neurodiverse STUDENTS Top Tips for teachers & Carers
Starting School for Neurodiverse Students also includes changing teachers, changing year levels, changing primary to high school and more
Discussed in this Episode:
β Preparing neurodiverse children for the transition from early childhood to primary school
β Teaching essential practical and social skills for school readiness
β Addressing sensory and motor skill challenges in the school environment
β Importance of explicit instruction for social interactions and school routines
β Strategies for managing separation anxiety and new school experiences
by Sue Larkey, B Spec Ed, Ma Spec Ed
- A key role at Western Autistic School in Melbourne, facilitated the integration of students with autism into mainstream primary schools. Her responsibilities included initial planning and ongoing support to ensure smooth transitions and successful inclusion.
- The podcast βSue Larkeyβ has overΒ 1.3 million downloads
- Sue Podcast is #1 Apple Podcast Ranked (Australia: Course Category)
- Podcast Resources used by Leading Universities to train teachers such as Monash University, Canberra University
- Over 135,000 subscribers to her weekly E-Newsletter in over 30 countries
DOWNLOAD THE FREE STARTING SCHOOL FOR NEURODIVERSE STUDENTS – PDF FOR THIS WEEK
1. Opening and closing lunchboxes, unwrapping food items, and using drink bottles
2. Desensitize children to new school uniforms and shoes by wearing them before school starts
3. Teach children how to put jumpers in their school bags independently
4. Use backward chaining to teach skills like tying shoelaces
5. Create a personalized “I’m Going to School” book with photos of the school, teacher, and routines
6. Implement daily motor skill activities to improve core strength and fine motor skills
7. Practice raising hands and sitting on the mat to build core strength
8. Teach basic drawing skills (face, house, tree) to prepare for school activities
9. Use social scripts to teach school communication skills (e.g., asking to play, interrupting politely)
10. Practice packing and unpacking school bags to familiarize children with the routine
Other great insights and strategies:
Fantastic Cheat Sheet for Starting School for Neurodiverse Students
Getting Ready for School Top Resources
How to Stop Your Words Bumping into Someone Else’s
| by Anna Tullemans & Rhonda Dixon | This book has 18 great A4 clear pages with an excellent picture to explain so many of the common challenges students with an ASD face in social and school situations. They include: Getting Someone’s Attention, Starting a Conversation, Interrupting, Asking Someone to Play, What if a Person Says ‘No’?, Asking for Help, How loud or soft your voice should be, Waiting in Line, Waiting on the Mat and Waiting at your Desk.
$29.95
9 in stock
The Early Years: The Foundations For All Learning
The Early Years: The Foundations For All Learning | by Sue Larkey & Gay von Ess | code: B04 | This book is full of practical ideas to give children with an ASD and other developmental delays the KEYS to learning. Teaching to play, write, draw, imitate etc. Toilet training, community access, etc. To sit, ask for help, wait, play, attention to task, sign songs, etc. Great easy to photocopy programmes.
$39.95
24 in stock
The Motor Skill Flip-Book Program
| by Sally McNamara Β – Β An easy-to-use resource for therapists, teachers, aides and parents. Developed by a paediatric occupational therapist in response to demand for quick and easy motor skill programs for children. Five colour-coded areas of motor development incorporating the whole body; including core strength, shoulder stability, gross motor coordination, fine motor coordination, and pencil control skills. 100 mix and match activities of varying degrees of difficulty that can be tailored to each child, or group of children, quickly and easily. Beneficial for children who experience handwriting difficulties as well as general coordination and motor development issues. Star system allows for evaluation of skill level and the ability to track progress and set goals.
$59.95
Out of stock
Visual Learning
$39.95
62 in stock
Time Timer MOD – Charcoal Colour
Portable and quiet with a protective cover, the Time Timer MOD is a great way to promote efficient time management at work, school and home. The Time Timer MOD is approximately 9.5 cm by 9.5 cm and suits the more βdestructibleβ child. Comes with a charcoal cover – optional coloured covers (blue, berry or green) sold separately.
$60.00
48 in stock
Portable Schedule with Digital Timer
Portable Schedule with Digital Timer | code: O 02 | Links visual schedules with a time frame. Great for routines, concept of time, pre-warns how long until finish, self monitoring and more!
$20.00
Liquid Timers
The Magic of Using Liquid Timers. Using liquid timers can be a game-changer for children with autism. Learn about their calming effects, use as a reward, and role in teaching patience and aiding transitions.
I am beyond excited to announce that, after a long search for the perfect supplier, we’ve finally restocked these magical devices!
$15.95
9 in stock
Porcupine Ball
It is ideal for sensoryΒ play, as a fidget toy, supporting fine and gross motor skills. The balls are highly tactile while still being light and easy for kids to catch and throw. They have a keyring so you can attach visuals to support communication too. Useful for all ages.
$4.50
72 in stock
NEW EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING TRAINING COURSE
Educators Guide to Executive Functioning - Why it Impacts Learning and Behaviour & What to Do
This course offers a comprehensive exploration of Executive Functioning. Dive into seven comprehensive lessons, starting with an introduction to Executive Functioning and the impact on learning and behaviour in Neurodiverse students (ASD, ADHD, ODD & PDA) Led by Dean Beadle, International Speaker & Autism Expert, for an enlightening course on Executive Functioning where he gives strategies from his lived experience and evidence-based research.
AVAILABLE NowΒ
2 Hours
Certificate
Enjoyed learning about Early Years Teaching for kids with Autism? Try these Popular Resource for Teaching in the Early Years:
NOW IN A BUNDLE OFFER
-
Tips for Toileting
$29.95 -
Visual Learning
$39.95 -
Practical Communication Programmes
$44.95 -
Off to School Package
$340.00 -
I’m Going to School
$30.00 -
Sale!
Teach Me Art n Craft CD
Original price was: $25.00.$5.00Current price is: $5.00. -
Motivate to Communicate
$45.95 -
Songames For Sensory Processing
$49.95 -
Starting Sensory Therapy
$38.95 -
The Ultimate Guide to School and Home
$44.95