This book is invaluable to FKS teachers and teaching assistants who have children on the Autistic Spectrum in their classes. Not only is it full of practical ideas and advice, it is also grounded in theory. There is something in this book for everyone – from those wishing to pick up ideas for IEPs, to those wanting a more detailed understanding of the disorder itself.

A detailed description of the range of ASDs is given, with excellent ‘real life’ examples of how children with this condition may present within the classroom. The book is positive and forward looking, pointing ways to identification and with many references of places to contact for further information and support. Areas of strength of children on the autistic spectrum are outlined, alongside potential barriers to learning.

Activities and monitoring are tied into best practice in Early Years Foundation Stage, building on the ‘look, listen, note’ philosophy.

The assessment sheets are clear, quick and easy to use and could easily be used by teaching assistants and class teachers. They are broken down into small steps which is ideal for assessing a child’s current abilities and planning SMART targets and next steps. The play plans build on the assessment sheets, providing suggested activities and work well as a starting point, particularly for those practitioners new to working with children on the autistic spectrum. Ideas for activities include those that can happen in the course of normal play, as well as more specific, planned interventions. Lots of the activities do, however, assume one to one adult support is available and this is not always the case within FKS classrooms – this is a fault of the SEN system however and not the book!

This is an excellent resource – it provides information at an accessible level and is easy to dip in and out of to gather ideas. This, supported by theory and further information pathways, makes it an invaluable information handbook, as well as, activity guide. For me, the assessment sheets have been invaluable – they are simple and easy to use – as the class teacher, I can pick these up during child initiated planning time and assess key behaviours and skills. The sequential format means that I then have an easy guide to identify next step targets – the play plans enable me to hand targets over to my teaching assistant, to plan one to one or group activities, to enable the child to make progress to meet this target.

A definite for every book shelf!

This highly useful resource is very well written and user friendly. It is clear and concise and is written using plain English. It approaches the topic of ASD in a very positive manner- looking at areas of strengths and how to remove barriers in a very inclusive manner. The assessment sheets and play plans are clearly laid out and are simple to complete- leaving you more time to focus on your child and not the paperwork. The numerous play plans encourage you to ‘dip in’ and select the most appropriate one for your child, for example- making relationships, settling well on arrival, comfort movements and all change. These in turn are supported with simple and practical monitoring sheets. A home plan is also included encouraging parental involvement in their child’s development. All of the resources are clearly linked to the Early Years Foundation Stage areas of learning and development making this a vital resource for anyone working with children who have ASD.

Rachel Hill, West End Tiny Tots Group, Lancashire