Type of service: Outreach - education

The Autism Outreach Team (AOT) is a team within the Specialist Support Service, which is available across the County to support pupils, parents and schools. The team works predominantly with those pupils with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in mainstream schools. The AOT works with: pupils in mainstream schools, nurseries and pre-school settings; pupils who have a confirmed diagnosis or medical identification of an ASD or similar; the ASSIST branch of the team work in Post 16 establishments. Schools can refer directly through their Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators (SENCOs) or headteachers. Parents, carers and other agencies who wish to refer are directed to the pupil's school to discuss the priority in terms of school based difficulties. The team may be able to help on a consultative basis where school based criteria are not met. Other LEA Support Services will refer through the pupil's school. For school referrals which are accepted the team will provide the following: liaison with other support services currently involved with the pupil; contact with parents prior to school visit and consultation with parents throughout the duration of involvement; autism awareness training for all staff; observation of the pupil and learning environment leading to strategies for the staff to use with the pupil related to Individual Education Plan (IEP) targets; a period of school visits to establish and evaluate appropriate teaching and management approaches for the pupil.

Aimed at: Adolescent , Child

Specialisms: Exclusively autism specific