The Autism Spectrum Support Team (ASST) within the Secretariat for Catholic Education (SfCE) provides support and intervention to students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in all Primary and Secondary Church Schools. This is done in collaboration with School Leadership Teams, Heads of Department for Inclusion, class teachers, and Learning Support Educators (LSEs). The ASST aims to ensure inclusive practices in addressing the challenges encountered by the students in their academic learning, social skills, and communication.
The support provided by the ASST includes:
- Observing students within the classroom/school setting.
- Suggesting strategies for the class team and School Leadership Team (SLT).
- Liaising with Heads of Department (Inclusion) and, when necessary, with psychologists regarding suggestions, implementation of Individual Education Plan (IEP) goals, and reviews.
- Following up on the implementation of suggested strategies.
- Continuously researching and training in new methods and approaches.
- Implementing in-school Social Skills Programmes for ASD students.
- Providing staff training focusing on Autism awareness, TEACCH, SCERTS, etc.
- Supporting Inclusion Coordinators (INCOs) and psychologists in the preparation and delivery of Peer Preparation Programmes.
- Collaborating with professionals and other departments within SfCE – psychologists, Occupational Therapists (OT), Dyslexia, Psycho-social, Curriculum, Literacy & Numeracy, Pastoral Care teams; as well as other outside services such as Speech Therapists & Psychiatrists.
Children are referred for the ASST services by the Heads of Department for Inclusion in consultation with the Heads of school and/or Assistant Head in charge of Inclusion.