Help for autistic children (From News Shopper)

Help for autistic children

10:04am Tuesday 22nd July 2003 in Bexley By Newsdesk

WITH an increasing number of children being diagnosed with autism-related problems, one Bexley primary school has taken their special needs on board.

Old Bexley Primary School, in Hurst Road, Bexley, has created a specially-equipped classroom for its pupils with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD).

The school already has a support team comprising a special needs co-ordinator, specialist teacher and four support assistants to enable the children to remain with their classes as much as possible.

With the help of Bexley Council, it has taken three years to create the specialist classroom, which is kitted out with appropriate equipment.

Everything in the classroom is also labelled with symbols as well as words.

Every year group from reception upwards has a place reserved for an ASD pupil.

And the children can use the facilities before school and at break times.

The school has also created safe areas inside and outdoors where the children can play with toys and games together.

There is also a daily lunch club where staff, pupils and friends eat together and learn social skills.