Science and autism spectrum disorder at P level 5

Read about the main challenges for children with autism and Asperger’s syndrome across subject areas and suggestions for inclusion

Additional challenges at P level 5 are:

• Increased vocabulary and the use of open questions which don’t necessarily have one answer
• Matching objects with a single feature may be difficult, as the pupil may find comparison illogical
• The concepts of showing someone else, working with others, finding out and interpreting what is happening

You can:

• Continue to support new vocabulary through practical experience, putting the vocabulary in context
• Encourage the pupil to realise there may not be a single, correct answer, through model examples.  Build from simple examples to the more complex
• Offer support in comparing different objects by working on the properties of objects. Try linking this to numeracy and sorting games (sorting bears by colour or size). Focus on what property is being compared then encourage the pupil to find their own properties for sorting or comparing
• For group work have clear ground rules around taking turns.  Facilitate interaction through practical activities which can be discussed – prepare the vocabulary in advance or offer support during the activity
• Ask questions that will lead thinking, such as ‘what do you think will happen if…’ and then let the pupil see this for themself