Type of service: Day schools, Schools

The name of the unit for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is the Communication Centre. Specialist resources, in a unit within a special school, for pupils with an ASD and pupils exhibiting autism related behaviours. The unit has capacity for 25 pupils. There is regular access to speech and language therapy, music therapy and SULP. A modified National Curriculum or foundation stage curriculum supported by the Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication handicapped CHildren (TEACCH) programme is followed. Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and Makaton are used to aid communication. The children are taught within a unit of 4 classes and can be integrated into the main school and mainstream schools if appropriate. Aims are: to help pupils communicate; learn how to play; develop as individuals; develop awareness of themselves and others; and move towards independence. Volunteers in terms of student placements are occasionally offered by the school.

Aimed at: Child

Specialisms: Has autism-specific elements

Other specialisms: Challenging behaviour, Learning disability