Supporting Autism and Social Communication Difficulties in Mainstream Schools: A Guidebook for ‘The Man-Eating Sofa’

This guidebook is designed to be used alongside the storybook The Man-Eating Sofa (for 8-12 year-olds).

Written in an engaging and accessible style, chapters explore the educational, social and psychological impact of autism and social communication and interaction difficulties (SCID). Strategies are provided to help parents and practitioners recognise and support these issues in the school environment. A chapter-by-chapter exploration of the story -The Man-Eating Sofa, provides an opportunity to generate discussion and facilitate understanding of autism and SCID amongst young people and adults who might not have considered the impact of social communication difficulties upon day-to-day life.

Key features include:

• an accessible introduction to autism and SCID
• discussion points for use with The Man-Eating Sofa, to accompany young people’s reading of the story
• strategies are provided to support the education, mental health and wellbeing of young people who find social communication, interaction, sensory processing and emotional regulation challenging in mainstream educational settings.

This is an essential resource to help parents, teachers and professionals understand and support pupils who are autistic as well as those who find social communication a challenge in the mainstream classroom.

Table of Contents

• Introduction

A note on the Language used in this Guide

Synopsis of The Man-Eating Sofa

The Main Messages in The Man-Eating Sofa

• Understanding Autism

Current Definition of Autism

DSM- 5 Criteria for Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Discussion of the Diagnosis

Prevalence

The Different Presentation of Autism in Girls versus Boys

Causes of Autism Spectrum Disorder

The Positives of Autism 

• The Psychological Impact of Autism

Anxiety

Low Mood and Poor Self-Esteem

The Impact on Parents and Family Relationships 

• Using The Man-Eating Sofa to Promote discussion
• Supporting Autism/SCID in School

Understanding Dysregulation

Sensory Processing

Anxiety

Supporting Low Mood

Obsessions/Enthusiasms/Passions

Social Communication and Interaction

Cognition and Learning 

• Additional Resources
• Conclusion
• References

"'This guide is very helpful for all professionals, particularly teaching staff and parent/carers in their role in how best to support autistic children and young people. It is based on research evidence, providing clear and pragmatic strategies.' "
- Karin Twiss, Senior Educational Psychologist and Strategic Lead for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Conditions

"As with her superb ‘dyslexia’ package, Dr Hutton again excels in bringing clarity to an important psychological concept. In this book, it is understanding autism, a condition that needs this clarity as so many children and families across our society are impacted by it. Plum Hutton makes the learning process dynamic, and understood within a real context, using a delightful story that children (8-12 years) and families will enjoy. The first parts of the story reflect the ‘too frequent’ and unnecessary challenges that many autistic children and their families will likely have experienced before gaining the necessary support and understanding. The story is positive and upbeat, and the experience of reading it, particularly with the activities and ideas [in the guidebook], promotes the compassion, understanding, thought and optimism that are such key ingredients for supporting and embracing neurodiversity."
- Caro Strover, Educational Psychologist