My name is (INSERT CHILD’S NAME)
I will be attending (INSERT CENTRE NAME) on
(INSERT DAYS OF ATTENDANCE)
This book contains some information about me so that you can help me settle into preschool and enjoy as many experiences as possible.
I have autism. This means I have some difficulty with communication and social skills but it does not mean that I cannot play and learn whilst at preschool.
I may not look any different but sometimes
the way I act or react to things is a little different.
There are lots of things you can do to help me.
Read on and you’ll find out more.
Talking to me
My turn
I can speak BUT…
Your turn
If you want to talk to me:
• make sure you say my name clearly
• look at me
• be patient as my words may not be very clear
My turn
I am still learning to talk, SO…
Your turn
If you want to talk to me, please squat down to face me
• talk clearly
• use PECs
• sign language
• short clear instructions
• model what you want me to do
Play
My turn
I love to play with:
• INSERT AS MANY ITEMS AS NEEDED
BUT…
• Sometimes I forget to play with other toys or I don’t understand what
they do
• I forget to share
• I forget to take turns
Your turn
• Show me what to do with other toys
• Give me a timer to let me know how long I can play before I have to
move on
• Show me a schedule card with other activities for me to do before I get
‘rewarded’ with a play with my favourite thing
• Help me share with other children by modelling the behaviour
Food and Drink
My turn
I love to eat:
• INSERT AS MANY ITEMS AS NEEDED
BUT…(ADD OR AMEND AS NECESSARY):
• I might forget to eat or eat very slowly
• I might forget my manners at the table
• I might take somebody else’s food
Your turn (ADD OR AMEND AS NECESSARY):
• Give me a timer
• Show me what happens once I’ve finished eating
• Remind me what is my food
Dislikes
My turn
I really don’t like these things:
INSERT CHILD’S FEARS, DISLIKES AND ANXIETIES (such as…)
• Loud noises
• The feeling of water on my skin
• Dark places
Because they make me anxious, I MIGHT…
DESCRIBE THE CHILD’S LIKELY BEHAVIOURS (such as…)
• Cry
• Shout or scream
• Withdraw
• Become aggressive
Your turn
When I’m upset it is best not to touch me or talk to me. You can try one
or more of these things to help me (ADD OR AMEND AS NECESSARY):
• Give me my blanket
• Give me my favourite toy
• Move me to a quiet space
Help me learn more
My turn
There are lots of things I’m good at:
INSERT CHILD’S STRENGTHS (such as…)
• Colouring
• Building with blocks
• Designing train tracks
• Doing puzzles
BUT…
Your turn
To help me get the most out of preschool you can encourage
me to try other things (such as...)
• Cutting
• Pasting
• Dress ups
• Riding a trike
General Information
I am looking forward to learning lots from preschool. I hope you can takesome time to help me love my time at (INSERT PRESCHOOL CENTRE)even more.
(ADD OR AMEND AS NECESSARY)