Advice for teachers
Here is advice for teachers taken from the Treehouse Constructive Campaigning Support Project:
Just because 29 other children are doing something how am I supposed to know I should be doing it too?
If you use my name when you talk, I am more likely to focus and know you want me to listen.
Give me precise instructions and use simple language so that I understand exactly what you want me to do.
I enjoy routine and find unstructured time and play difficult. I may need your help to use this time effectively.
Tell me what's going to happen today - it helps me if I have a clear structure with some detail.
Sometimes I may take you literally. If you say you will be back in a second, that's what I expect you to do.
Are you cross with me or are you raising your voice to be heard? It's so hard for me to tell the difference.
If I don't look at you when we're talking, I am not being rude. I just find eye contact very tricky.
Keep your language simple and positive. Tell me what you want me to do, instead of what not to do.
Sometimes I find busy situations overwhelming - it helps if there is a quiet place I can go to, even if just for a short time.
If you show me what to do instead of just telling me, it can really help me to learn.
It can take me several seconds to process what you have just said - please be patient with me.