SEND: Teenagers with autism

Teaching older teenagers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be very difficult. On the surface they may appear to be the model student; they are not rude or confrontational (far from it), they are quiet and respectful in class, they work hard and meet deadlines; but underneath their coping mechanisms lie a range of difficulties both complex and intense, which prevent them from achieving their potential at school.

Although every autistic teenager is different, with a differing profile and differing needs, my work with autistic teenagers has led me to conclude that there are two prevailing traits that need to be recognised by all teachers before these young learners can achieve in line with their underlying ability. The first is the emotional and intellectual developmental delay, the second is the importance of routine and structure.