Communicating Phonics - The Communication Trust

Communicating PhonicsSection 4 > Different types of speech, language and communication needs > Children with autistic spectrum disordersChildren with autistic spectrum disordersAlso known as autism, autism spectrum disorder or autism spectrum conditionGeneral informationChildren with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) strugglewith aspects of communication and interaction aswell as their imaginative thinking. Children often havelanguage needs, though this varies greatly betweenindividuals. Some children may have high functioningautism and they may have good language with somespecific areas of difficulty. Difficulties may or may notinclude phonic skills.Helping to access the phonics screening checkPossible issuesChildren may lose attentionThey will also need pre-preparingfor the checkWays to helpChildren with autistic spectrumdisorders will benefit fromundertaking the check in a roomwith low levels of auditory andvisual distractions and frombreaksFor example, use a visualtimetableProcessing may be difficultChildren may be anxious about acheck or new activityIt may be necessary for childrento be given extended time torespondIf possible make the check appearlike a routine activity, for exampleadministering it when the child isusually withdrawn for one to onesupport65