Transition or Transformation?: Helping Young People With Autistic Spectrum Disorder Set Out on a Hopeful Road Towards Their Adult Lives

Young people with Autism Spectrum Disorders can often find the step into adulthood and independence more difficult than their neurotypical peers, particularly where employment is concerned. Following the example of a programme devised by teachers at a school for children on the autistic spectrum, this book maintains that with the right guidance and a positive attitude in schools, young autistic people can be every bit as happy and successful as those who are not on the spectrum.

The book outlines the exact strategy used, developed over a number of years, which enabled autistic pupils to achieve their full potential. Opening with an overview of the challenges faced by the young people at the school, the book begins by revisiting the journeys of individual students who were encouraged by a culture of optimism and hopefulness, many of whom are now in employment. The BERIS approach, their adaption of the National Curriculum, is also covered, along with the concept of talioring education to each individual student, and an in-depth exploration of a multitude of styles and techniques for building relationships. Concluding with a reflection on leadership and organisational culture, the authors emphasise that if the approach is adopted by an entire school and not just a handful of teachers, it really can work.