7
understanding of the events in their day, thereby reducing anxieties and
facilitating independence.
• utilising a total communication approach with the aim of creating
strategies, resources and stimulating environments which will develop
individuals' non-verbal and verbal communication abilities, facilitate social
interaction, attention and understanding and support emotional
development such as self-esteem and self-assertiveness. These strategies
include the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS); objects of
reference; signing; voice output devices; communication and computer
access software such as the Grid; social stories; visual strategies; and
physical, gestural and verbal prompts.
• following a Waking Day approach, which recognises that individuals with
autism often learn best in real-life settings, learning is reinforced in a
variety of situations with a focus on meaningful skills that contribute to an
active life within the community.
• making use of data to understand young adults as individuals and autism
as a condition, with data gathered throughout a young person's day and
stored on our data recording system Prior Insight for interpretation and
analysis to improve outcomes and track progress.
• accessing an individualised programme of learning within the Prior's
Court Learning Framework, with the programme designed to meet each
young adults needs and build on their strengths and interests, across the
seven Areas of Learning - communication, positive behaviour support,
healthiness, daily living skills, vocational skills, functional academics and,
keeping me safe - with progress tracked using the I Can Statement
measurement system.
• reviewing and updating of an individual's This Is Me plan, such as key
persons in the individual's Circle of Support, individual care and learning
plans, Positive Behaviour Support plans, protocols and risk assessments.
• maintaining a positive approach to managing challenging and
inappropriate behaviour which recognises the challenges that face our
young people, takes a holistic approach to understanding the individual,
their autism and their specific needs, and teaches them the skills and
strategies to enable them to reduce anxieties and self-manage behaviour.
• encouraging exercise and an active, healthy lifestyle as a key way to
support young people with autism, improving attention and sleep
patterns, releasing excess energy, providing opportunities for leisure and
social interaction, and as part of the repertoire of calming strategies for
anxious individuals.
• as an integral part of the Prior Approach there is access to advice and
support from a multi-disciplinary team including Positive Behaviour