Unlike many autism specific schools that adopt a particular ‘autism’ methodology, MacIntyre Academies approach is to create an individual pathway that will make use of a range of autism and behaviour specific strategies to find a solution that works for each child and young person.

Through undertaking expert functional skill assessments alongside academic and sensory assessments, we will develop individual strategies for each child. We will use specific autism interventions where helpful in specific situations.

We are committed to ensuring that all of our staff have an understanding of Autism and how this can impact on learning.

Sensory Considerations

Children with autism often respond atypically to sensory stimuli. High levels of sensory difficulties can often significantly impair a child’s readiness for learning.

We will address sensory issues from assessment through all aspects of curriculum planning and delivery as they can have impact at any time. All children have a sensory assessment (with regular review) and strategies will be carefully detailed as part of their learning plan.

Motor Considerations

Children with complex needs and ASC often have poor motor skills, poor coordination and difficulties with balance resulting in awkwardness and clumsiness with considerable implications for participation in PE, games and play, and in turn impact on social participation. In delivering a physical education curriculum and approach that provide opportunities for children to participate successfully, we think creatively and include access to opportunities that enable children to learn in group situations that develop motor skills at an individual level, for example, Taekwondo.

For some young people fine motor skill difficulties can also complicate and interfere with a variety of school activities, such as handwriting, art, and some practically based technologies. Our approach is highly individualised and we assess the best way of reducing the impact of these difficulties through the use of laptops or other ICT, classroom/white board management, ensuring for older children, access to extra time or scribes for external examinations.