Sunderland Autism Outreach Team

🌈 Getting classrooms ready for autistic learners this September 🌈

As we head towards a new school year, a few small, thoughtful adjustments can make a big difference to autistic children and young people.

And a reminder for teachers and school staff: the holidays are for resting too. You do not need to spend the summer creating elaborate resources or completely redesigning your classroom. Sometimes the most helpful preparation is simply having a few things in mind before September.

💛 Think about predictability

* How will pupils know what is happening next?
* Can routines and changes be made clear?
* Where possible, give advance notice of changes, new adults or unfamiliar activities.

👀 Consider the environment

* Are there areas that might be particularly noisy, busy or visually overwhelming?
* Is there somewhere a pupil can take a break if they become overwhelmed?
* Remember that sensory needs can look very different from one learner to another.

🗣️ Think about communication

* Use clear, concrete language where helpful.
* Allow extra processing time.
* Don’t assume that a pupil who can speak confidently doesn’t have communication or processing needs.

📚 Make expectations accessible

* Break instructions into manageable steps.
* Check understanding rather than simply asking, “Do you understand?”
* Consider different ways for pupils to show what they know.

🤝 Build relationships first

* Get to know the individual child or young person - their strengths, interests, communication style, triggers and what helps them feel safe.
* Listen to the pupil and their family/carers.
* Avoid assuming that one strategy will work for every autistic learner.

🌱 And remember…
Autistic learners don’t need a “perfect” classroom. They need adults who are curious, flexible, understanding and willing to adapt.

Whether you’re welcoming a three-year-old into nursery or supporting a 16-year-old through Year 11, the principles remain the same: know the individual, reduce unnecessary barriers, communicate clearly and create a sense of safety and belonging.

If you’re looking for practical strategies, advice and support to help you create an inclusive environment for autistic learners, you can find resources and information on our website: www.sunderlandaot.co.uk⁠

💛 Wishing all teachers and school staff a restful summer and a positive start to the new school year. See you next term!

📢 Autumn Term Training Opportunity – Communication and the Use of Visuals in Mainstream School

Bookings are now open for our Communication and the Use of Visuals in Mainstream School training, taking place during the autumn term.

This practical session is designed to support practitioners in developing effective communication strategies and making the best use of visual supports to enhance learning, understanding and inclusion in mainstream school settings.

🍂 Places can now be booked via the Sunderland Traded Services website.

We look forward to seeing you there!

💙 Did you know that Washington Mind Young People’s Project provides one-to-one counselling for young people aged 11+, in safe and welcoming spaces across Washington and Sunderland, including The Life House, PopRecs, schools, and other local venues where young people feel at ease.

They know reaching out can feel like a big step, so their friendly team is always happy to chat first with parents, carers, or professionals. Together, they explore whether the service is the right fit and, if not, help you find the right support.

First sessions focus on getting to know each young person, understanding their needs, and agreeing next steps, with parents or carers welcome to attend.

Find out more about the Young People's Project, access support and make a referral on their website: https://washingtonmind.org.uk/the-young-peoples-project/

A productive afternoon for the team, sharing good practice and specialist intervention strategies with colleagues. It was fantastic to come together to share specialist knowledge and practical strategies that support inclusive practice across early years settings.

📢 Training is now available to book!
Autism in the Early Years – Practical Support Strategies
📅 Tuesday 3 November
📍 Bunny Hill Centre

This training is designed for practitioners working in schools and nurseries, providing practical strategies and approaches to support autistic children in the early years.

Book your place now via the Sunderland Traded Services website.

These sessions are for parents or family carers who might be feeling a bit worried about their young person's behaviour, and want to come up with strategies to support them.

They are ran by family carers and are a really supportive space for attendees to come along and chat with people who understand how tricky these things can be at times, and are very much about understanding and supporting our wonderful young people. They are free to attend and lunch is provided. Booking is essential, and participants must attend all three sessions to complete the course.

Please note these workshops are for parents or family carers who have a child or young person in their life (under 18) who is either autistic, has a learning disability, or is waiting for a diagnosis of either autism or a learning disability.

Call 0191 281 8737 or e-mail [email protected], any questions please ask.

UPDATE: This session is now fully booked, but we currently have lots of availability for the morning session at 10.30: https://www.autismcentral.nhs.uk/events/understanding-autism-neurodiversity-informed-perspective-mornings

However, as we completely appreciate that time may not be convenient for you, this webinar series will be recorded. You will be able catch-up by registering on Autism Central's website.

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Is your family new to autism? Or are you looking for info after receiving a diagnosis for a family member?

We’re hosting a masterclass series with Dr Ruth Moyse, an accessible, evidence-based introduction to autism, grounded in lived experience.

🫂 For families and anyone who loves or works with an autistic person
📆 Free to join and fully NHS funded (booking essential)

Across five Monday afternoons, you’ll explore:

· What Is autism: beyond stereotypes and pathologising language

· Neurodiversity: autism as difference, disability, identity, and lived experience

· Identity and strengths: supporting wellbeing and self-understanding

· Supporting differences: communication, sensory processing and emotion regulation

· Autism across the lifespan: childhood to adulthood, including late diagnosis

Reserve your place: https://orlo.uk/0NebD

This series is hosted by Anna Freud as part of the Autism Central programme, funded by NHS England Workforce, Training and Education

Upcoming Parent Carer Workshops at Grace House 🧡
Grace House is pleased to share details of two upcoming workshops delivered by The Little Company of Calm.

✨ Mindfulness and Sleep Workshop
29th June, 2pm-3pm
£3 per person
https://bookwhen.com/gracehouse...

✨ Mindfulness and Anxiety Workshop
6th July, 2pm-3pm
£2 per person
https://bookwhen.com/gracehouse...

These supportive sessions will provide practical mindfulness techniques to help manage stress, improve wellbeing, and promote better sleep.
⚠️ Places are limited. If you would like to attend either workshop, please follow the links.
We look forward to welcoming you!