Supporting Autistic Children with SLCN in the Early Years

This fully revised second edition serves as an essential toolkit for anyone working with young autistic children with speech, language, and communication needs (SLCN). Filled with practical and up-to-date tips, advice, and guidance, it shifts the responsibility of change from the child onto the caregiver, asking the question: what can we do to support the child?

The book explores autistic-led research and theory, including Gestalt Language Processing, monotropism, the double empathy problem, alexithymia and interoception, before providing supportive strategies to use as part of the everyday curriculum and routines. Helping readers develop a deeper understanding of what and how autistic children may interact and communicate, the book offers:

• An introduction to autism and SLCN, breaking down key research into easily digestible chunks
• Detailed case studies and examples throughout
• Practical activities and resources, including planning sheets and activity suggestions
• Easy-to-follow chapters focusing on the classroom environment, communication, social interaction, play, and behaviour.

Full of evidence-based practical strategies, this manual is essential reading for staff supporting autistic children with SLCN in an early years setting. It is also valuable reading for other allied health professionals and parents.