Autism in Early Years

In this episode, Clare talks to Dave Smallwood, Principal Team Teach trainer and Director at SENse Training and Consultancy, about supporting autistic children in early years.

They discuss some of the indicators of autism in young children and highlight the importance of taking an individualised approach to support. They also explore some strategies that practitioners can implement to best support children in their organisation.

Dave has worked in special schools, for both the local authority and the National Autistic Society and has extensive experience of supporting young people with complex special educational needs and disabilities.

As a staff development co-ordinator for the National Autistic Society, he developed and delivered training in autism, and equality, diversity, and rights.

You can find Dave on LinkedIn.

He also shares three tips during the episode:

• Think about changes to our own approach that might have a positive impact on everyone, not just autistic children.
• In the broadest sense, ‘listen’ to the child, tuning in to what they are communicating through their actions and behaviour, to better understand what their needs are.
• Routines are an essential part of creating a safe, stable structure, making sure children understand the routine.

The Team Teach podcast shares the latest thinking in behaviour, all in handy 15-minute (ish) bite-sized chunks. Each episode features a new guest chatting about a different aspect of behaviour and leaves you with three handy tips to use in your setting.