Autism is a developmental disorder, not a learning disability, and so the majority of secondary age children with a diagnosis attend mainstream schools. But with many of the difficulties relating to autism exacerbated by the busy secondary environment, full and practical inclusion of pupils with ASD into every facet of school life can be difficult to achieve. In this programme we observe four boys on the Autistic Spectrum through their school day at Wodensborough Community Technology College in Wednesbury, to see the different ways in which their individual needs are met by both mainstream and specialist staff. We hear from Inclusion Manager Craig Smith and various mainstream teachers about the challenges presented when working with ASD pupils. We also see how a variety of subjects are taught with support from Learning Support Practitioners and Assistants.

Video Series: Secondary Special Needs
Release Date 2006