Children with Additional Needs

'Takiwātanga' 'Autism' – “in my/his/her own time and space”.

Diagnosed Challenges

Autism Spectrum Disorder (A.S.D)

A spectrum disorder, means that there is a wide degree of variation in the way it affects people. Every child on the autism spectrum has unique abilities and challenges.

As both we and you know children with an ASD diagnosis can have challenges with;

- Social skills and interactions

- Speech and language

- Behaviour and play

- Sensory and sensation

- Ticking / stimming

- Emotional regulation

- Advanced/delayed/uneven cognitive ability

- Twice Exceptionality (2E) having a cognitive ability/high functional combined with a learning impairment or challenge

Non -Diagnosed Challenges

As all children develop at their own pace, some things will present as more or less challenging for a time. This can include, but not limited to;

- Anxieties

- Loud or overcrowded spaces

- New experiences

- Separating (both children and parents!)

- Sleeping

- Eating

With our years of experience you can feel free to communicate in a supportive and non-judgmental environment. We may also be able to advise you if your child's behaviour is age appropriate, or might require some additional support.

Medical Needs

If your child has medical needs, you need to feel confident that the school environment is safe and inclusive and that the adults caring for your child are well-equipped to support and manage their individual needs.

Children with additional medical needs may require (and want) minimal intervention so as not to interfere with their normal day. Other children with a high level of care need a plan in place to ensure their physical, emotional and social and academic needs are still being enhanced.

Some challenges can include;

- Extended periods of absence

- Compromised immunity

- Fatigue

- Side effects of medication

- Pain

- Falling behind on schoolwork

- Missed social opportunities (excursions, sports, camps)

We may be able to support you to know what your rights and the rights of your children are, and what you can/should expect from your school.