PSHE: autism spectrum disorder at P level 5

The challenge at P level 5 is to work or play with other pupils and to take turns. The pupil needs to express feelings which they may be unable to identify. Pupils who have Asperger’s syndrome and also sensory processing disorder may have additional problems of not being aware of needs such as hunger, thirst or needing the toilet.

The pupil may not understand turn-taking by observation or experience unless the concept is reinforced in a structured way. They may also find questions asking ‘why’ hard to answer.

You can:

• Play turn-taking games with PE equipment, such as rolling a ball to each pupil, or taking turns to climb on a piece of equipment or choose a song. Make a point of explaining when it is, and isn’t, the pupil’s turn and why.
• Support personal needs by having a routine of breaks and toilet trips.
• Encourage the pupil to contribute to group discussions by sometimes including topics that interest them. Give model questions and answers and set clear boundaries around listening to others and taking turns.
• Ask questions that help the child with the concept of why, for example ‘do you think x could be why y happened?’ or ‘What would she need a coat for? So why would she need a coat?’