Learning Support Unit - Autism Specific
Hughes Primary Learning Support Unit – Autism Specific caters for the individual needs of six students with autism. Our teacher and learning support assistants are educated and experienced in teaching children with autism and intellectual disabilities.
Creating a positive learning environment which allows students to access programs which are aligned to the Australian Curriculum is one of the main aims of the LSUA. Our programs develop the strengths of individual students through an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) and build upon their current level of achievement. A sensory diet, with active breaks in sensory areas such as the bespoke courtyard, sensory room and Lego room are is used to keep students engaged and at their optimal level for learning.
A well designed and meaningful integration program provides students with opportunities to learn alongside their mainstream peers which occur throughout the week in a variety of learning areas appropriate to the individual. Students are supported to participate in whole school events and celebrations, such as sports carnivals, assembly, choir, camps and excursions.
Visuals, individualised programs, daily schedules and structured lessons are used to assist the students to be organised and alerted to events that occur. Authentic tasks, such as gardening, shopping, swimming and cooking also motivate students to learn.
Social skills make up a large part of students learning. Social stories, Social skills programs, explicit teaching and other strategies are employed to help students navigate the social world.