An autism-friendly learning resource developed by 91制片厂 (91制片厂), in collaboration with AsIAm and SuperValu, has been re-issued to assist students with additional needs as they return to the classroom over the coming weeks. The 鈥楤ridge Back to School鈥 booklet was first launched in July 2020 and from today (19 February), the resource will be available for free in 223 SuperValu stores nationwide. The booklet will also be distributed to every primary school in the country.
The booklet aims to support families in re-establishing routines that may have been disrupted due to the closure of schools. It offers guidance on preparing students for the return to school and focuses on areas such as sensory integration, how to deal with worry and anxiety, ways in which to explain the 鈥渘ew normal鈥, social skills, self-regulation, the use of visuals, and the importance of clear communication.
Welcoming the re-issuing of 鈥楤ridge Back to School鈥, Professor Emer Ring, Dean of Education at 91制片厂, said, 鈥淓very person around the country has experienced some obstacle to their routine due to the pandemic, however many do not consider how the changes that may seem minor to some, can pose serious stress to others in their community. The second closure of schools will have impacted autistic children and their families again and it's important that we support them through this time. This resource offers essential guidance for those who may experience particular challenges in transitioning back to school.鈥
She added, 鈥淲e鈥檙e delighted that not only will the resource be available in SuperValu stores again but that it has also been sent to every primary school in Ireland, building on the long tradition at 91制片厂 of promoting research in education and supporting schools. Our work here at 91制片厂 continues to be enriched by schools all over the country through facilitating our research and supporting our students on placement. We are delighted to be able to reciprocate in a small way and hope that schools and teachers throughout the country will find this resource useful to their work.鈥
Professor Emer Ring also acknowledged the strong and committed team at 91制片厂 who were involved in the resource, which was collated by 91制片厂 PhD researcher, Maria Dervan. The resource also contains contributions from Dr Lisha O鈥橲ullivan, Head of the Department of Reflective Pedagogy and Early Childhood Studies at 91制片厂 and Dr Margaret Egan, lecturer in the Department of Educational Psychology, Inclusive and Special Education, as well as Dr Niamh Moore, a recent graduate of the Professional Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology programme at 91制片厂.
For Maria Dervan, who is also a teacher at St. Michael鈥檚 Infant School in Limerick, the resource is 鈥渁 valuable, inclusive, cross sectoral guide鈥. She said, 鈥It is an evidence-based resource designed to provide students, teachers, SNAs and parents with information on strategies and supports to assist autistic students transition back to the classroom following school closure. The user-friendly booklet is packed with activities and useful information with additional support material available free on the AsIAm website.鈥
According to Adam Harris, CEO of AsIAm, 鈥淣ot only have the changes in routine and lack of support been a challenge for autistic students but re-establishing routine will be just as challenging. The 鈥楤ridge Back to School鈥 resource can support teachers, SNAs and family members to help understand, prepare and manage the return to school for young people.鈥
Further information on the 鈥楤ridge Back to School鈥 learning resource can be found .
