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Education planning

Working together - Education support staff

When I met this student two years ago, I had no previous experience of working with children but relied on my skills as a parent. I wasn’t sure if I would be capable of working with a child with autism, but after our first meeting I was looking forward to it. My time working with him has only reinforced for me that a caring and positive attitude goes a long way.

He was initially very reserved and unsure of his new and, at times, very noisy environment. He would sometimes hide to get away from it. The children in the class were very supportive of him and I remember one time when a child approached him and asked him to come out to play. The smile on his face was priceless. This was the beginning of a very special friendship.

His social skills have excelled over this time with the initial help of a social story and a great group of kids. Having autism means that he does need time to himself and his friends are very understanding of this.

With the help of his peers he has settled into prep extremely well. Working together with his mum and the classroom teacher has made his school life run that much smoother. He had good days and bad days, which we worked through together as a team. His progress throughout the first year was remarkable.

It is very fulfilling to know that I have contributed to the successful start of his school life. I do not see him as an ‘autistic person’ but as someone who has a great deal to offer his family, friends and the wider community. I will hold this experience of working with this student very close to my heart.

Education support staff

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