Access and Inclusion for Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders: 'Let Me In' - Softcover

Breakey, Christine; Hesmondhalgh, Matthew

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1853029866 ISBN 13: 9781853029868

Publisher: Jessica Kingsley, 2001

Synopsis

Based on pioneering work at their school in Sheffield, the authors of this book explore the universal issues of access and inclusion in employment and education for children and young people with autism or Asperger's Syndrome. They describe the challenges they faced in establishing and running an Integrated Resource for these children within a mainstream secondary school. The twenty-four pupils at The Resource participate in the regular school curriculum, but also learn a wide range of additional life skills. These include road safety, work-place skills and using public transport as well as expressing feelings, making choices and learning from experience. One innovative area of work at The Resource is the work placement scheme which has given pupils the opportunity to work with local companies including a supermarket and an insurance firm. In addition to this, The Resource has established a partnership with a further education college to enable their pupils to gain further support after they leave school. These projects demonstrate the encouraging possibilities in employment and the wider world for young people on the autistic spectrum.

The experiences of these special pupils and their peers and teachers provide lessons as well as messages of hope and understanding for parents and professionals within the field of autism. The authors make useful, practical suggestions for access and inclusion, showing how those with autism or Asperger's Syndrome can participate fully in the world of work and the community.

About this title

From the Author

Matthew Hesmondhalgh worked in three special schools in South Yorkshire, before becoming teacher in charge and project leader for The Resource at King Ecgbert School in 1994. He has a degree in Politics and Sociology, a PGCE in Special Needs and a Diploma in Special Needs. Christine Breakey qualified and worked for ten years as a Social Worker before studying for a degree in Communication Studies. She has worked as a Further Education lecturer and a Special Support Assistant and is now the Post Sixteen Support Co-ordinator for students with Autistic Spectrum Disorders at The Sheffield College. She has an MA in the Education of Children and Young People with Autism.

About the Author

Christine Breakey has worked with autistic people for over 20 years in the fields of social work and education and most recently in further education where she developed the Autism Specialist Support service at The Sheffield College. She now runs an independent support service which provides staff training, independent advocacy and social / life skills teaching. Christine is married with two grown-up daughters and is a qualified social worker and lecturer. She has a BA honours degree in Communication Studies and a Masters degree in Autism. Christine welcomes visits to her website (www.spectrumfirst.co.uk) where she can be contacted.

Edition details

• Publisher: Jessica Kingsley
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 1853029866
• ISBN 13: 9781853029868
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 248