Social communication and interaction

When children and young people have differences in understanding social behaviour and the throughs and feelings of others, which impacts on the development of relationships and friendships.

This information may be appropriate for primary and/or secondary pupils according to their age, stage and individual needs.    

Websites

An introduction to autism

Understanding and supporting social behaviour and feelings 

Anxiety, and its experience for autistic people. 

Information, training and support for PDA 

Puberty and beyond

Safeguarding and bullying information specific to autism

How autism presents in and impacts females and how to safeguard them

Self-help resources 

Best practice guidance 

Resources to help you create a communication-friendly classroom 

Evidence-based intervention materials support understanding of feelings and social behaviour.

Educational practice to support pupils with PDA profiles

Resources to use to support a whole school community's understanding of autism

Best practice guidance on working with children and their families 

Resources to support girls with autism

Training

  • The communication and interaction advisory service has a menu of training courses, including Bitesize, Neuroinclusive Education Network and primary/secondary Swift courses. 
  • SWIFT is a training programme for schools and parents/carers who have a child on the autism spectrum or who has communication and interaction needs. It consists of four modules that explore key aspects of autism, development and learning.
  • Training on making sense of autism, good autism practice, social stories, zones of regulation, communication-friendly classrooms, anxiety, and PDA is available. Discuss your needs and priorities with your specialist advisory teacher.
  • Whole School SEND training Online CPD Units | Whole School SEND Speech, Language and Communication
    • Unit 4: Introduction to speech, language and communication needs 
    • Unit 5: Identifying and supporting SLCN 
    • Unit 6: Supporting the development of speech, language and communication  skills 
    • Unit 7: Creating a learning environment that supports speech, language and        communication

Specialist support in school 

SENSS communication and interaction team

Our SENSS communication and interaction team support, advise and empower staff in schools and settings to understand the needs of children and young people with speech, language and communication needs and autism spectrum conditions.