Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)
At The Riverview Academy, we warmly welcome and support children with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC). Our commitment is to help every child feel safe, valued, and included within our school community.
What is Autism?
Autism is a developmental difference that affects how a person experiences the world, communicates, and builds relationships. It is a spectrum condition, meaning that no two autistic children are the same – each child has their own unique strengths, challenges, and perspectives.
Children with autism may:
- Find social interaction or communication more difficult.
- Prefer routines and feel anxious with changes.
- Show strong interests or repeat certain behaviours.
- Experience sensory sensitivities (e.g., to sound, touch, or light).
- Find busy or noisy environments overwhelming.
These behaviours can vary significantly among children, and some may require additional support even before an official diagnosis.
How We Support Children with ASC
We provide a tailored, nurturing approach to meet the needs of each child with ASC. Our support strategies include:
- Visual timetables and now/next boards to help support routines.
- Use of social stories and emotional regulation tools to aid understanding and expression.
- Access to calm spaces or sensory breaks when needed to help manage overwhelming situations.
- Makaton or alternative communication strategies to facilitate effective communication.
- Adapted learning activities and structured environments to cater to individual learning styles.
- Carefully planned transitions between activities or settings to reduce anxiety.
- Support from our Deputy Headteacher/SENCo, specialist teachers, and external agencies to ensure comprehensive care.
We understand that consistency, predictability, and empathy are essential for helping autistic children feel secure and thrive.
Working in Partnership with Families
We recognise that parents and carers are the experts on their children. From the moment you share a concern, we will:
- Listen carefully and collaborate on next steps.
- Offer observations from the classroom to support early identification of needs.
- Signpost or assist with referrals to external services (e.g., Speech and Language Therapy, Autism Pathway, CAMHS).
- Develop an individual support plan tailored specifically to your child’s needs.
- Hold regular review meetings and maintain open, honest conversations.
We believe that working in partnership with families leads to the best outcomes for every child.
Celebrating Differences
At The Riverview Academy, we celebrate diversity and believe that every child brings something unique to our school community. We are proud to be an inclusive school that embraces differences and helps all children shine in their own way.