Jack, aged four, turns to kiss his mother and says 'Bye, Mum'. This seemingly simple act fills both Mum and the pre-school centre staff with immense pride and joy.
A year ago, when Jack first started attending the Puzzle Centre, a specialist early intervention centre for two- to five-year-olds with autism and other communication needs, he was non-verbal and was becoming increasingly frustrated at not being able to communicate or understand what was expected in social situations. Staff at the mainstream nursery he attended were finding it difficult to meet his needs and manage his behaviour. He was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder and his paediatrician recommended he attend the Puzzle Centre in Middle Claydon, near Buckingham.
The nursery, graded Outstanding by Ofsted, is managed by a specialist teacher who works in close conjunction with a speech and language therapist to deliver the foundation stage curriculum - carefully differentiated for children on the autistic spectrum. They receive individual adult support, teaching and therapy at each session. Paediatric occupational therapists also provide regular advice and guidance.
No more than eight children attend at a time, because rooms full of people can be overwhelming. The environment is adapted to support the children, with the level of visual stimuli reduced by putting few pictures on the walls so children are not visually distracted. Having clearly designated areas for activities, a messy play room, a soft play room, a snack area and a main teaching room, helps children to understand what they are meant to be doing and when. Reducing the complexity and amount of 'adult talk' and using pictures and objects aids their understanding of the spoken word.
The Centre is visually explicit, with timetables and objects showing children what to do now and what they will be doing next. It is a lot less free-flow than many nurseries, providing much-needed routine and structure. Many children do not have the ability to organise themselves and to distinguish the relevant from the irrelevant.
There is also a designated parents' area. Around three parent workshops are held each term and parents are invited into the nursery at the end of each session for a handover. Families also receive a termly home visit to support them in meeting their child's needs outside of the centre.
Most children who attend the Puzzle Centre also go to mainstream settings, which enables them to be a part of their local community and gives them the opportunity to adapt to another environment. The Puzzle Centre helps the other setting to put strategies in place, as well as inviting staff to spend time at Puzzle to observe its special techniques and approaches, and assess how a child will manage when they progress to primary school and what support they will need. An important Puzzle Centre aim is to enable children to integrate successfully in mainstream settings whenever it is appropriate for them.
CASE STUDY: PUNAM, MOTHER OF A CHILD AT THE PUZZLE CENTRE
'Our son was diagnosed with autism when he was two years old. We were concerned that he was not developing any language and was aloof at any attempts to communicate. We were distraught, but our helpless feelings were replaced by a desire to reach out to our adorable child.
'We researched his condition and realised early intervention was key to his progress with intensive one-to-one learning opportunities geared at his level. Keeping language simple and clear increased his understanding, and visual cues such as timetables helped him comprehend better.
'He attended a local mainstream pre-school but, while they accommodated him as well as possible, he appeared anxious, avoided children and got upset if a child tried to play with him. Sensitive sensory issues meant the crowded environment prevented him from participating in story time and circle time, making his play increasingly solitary.
'We heard about the Puzzle Centre and found it had everything to help our son overcome his difficulties - small groups, specialist staff, individual educational targets, visually structured timetable and activities with a great emphasis on social awareness and joint attention. He's been there for nearly two years now and his progress is phenomenal. He responds as well as initiates short sentences, and his understanding of the world is increasing rapidly.
'He is proof that, given the right environment, children with autism can appropriately access learning opportunities and develop, albeit at their own pace.'
Further information
- - The Puzzle Centre offers training for practitioners on meeting the needs of early years children on the autistic spectrum. Visit www.puzzlecentre.org.uk
- - National Autistic Society, www.autism.org.uk
- - Autism Education Trust, www.autismeducationtrust.org.