SLP 311: Teacher Assistants - Top Tips for Navigating Challenges and Building Connections - Insights from Dream Team (Lived Experience, Teacher, Teacher Assistant & Parent)

Join Sue for an upcoming Live Virtual Workshop where you will learn from Sue practical tips & strategies to make a difference. In this episode, we will discuss: ✅ Stress Level: New school years equal major life changes stress. ✅ Hidden Curriculum: Social nuances hard for neurodiverse children to grasp. ✅ November Start: Begin transition planning early, not end-of-year rush. ✅ Early Notification: Parents need teacher info early for preparation time. ✅ Sensory Overwhelm: Biggest factor comes from sensory environment changes. ✅ Resources Available: Ebooks, cheat sheets, courses support smooth transitions effectively. ✅ All Transitions: Plan for teacher changes and major school moves. Read more about this podcast in the show notes found via the link below suelarkey.com.au/neurodiverse-student-transition-tips Join the Facebook group specifically for this podcast www.facebook.com/groups/suelarkeypodcastcommunity/ Join my Neurodiversity Network suelarkey.com.au/neurodiversity-network/ Follow my Instagram account for regular tips www.instagram.com/sue.larkey/ To learn more about teaching or understanding ASD, please visit my website below. elearning.suelarkey.com.au

Join Sue for an upcoming Live Virtual Workshop where you will learn from Sue practical tips & strategies to make a difference. In this episode, we will discuss: ✅ ADHD/Autism Overlap: Most ADHDers also have autism, about 75% overlap. ✅ Girls Masking: Girls camouflage symptoms better, leading to underdiagnosis. ✅ Autistic Burnout: Undiagnosed autistic teens face severe burnout and breakdowns. ✅ Universal Accommodations: Classroom accommodations should universally benefit all students. ✅ Diagnosis Importance: Diagnosis builds self-awareness for different brain functioning. ✅ Confidentiality Matters: Teenagers need clear confidentiality boundaries from teachers. ✅ Library Resources: Make neurodiversity books available in school libraries. Read more about this podcast in the show notes found via the link below suelarkey.com.au/camouflaging-asd-and-adhd-female-students Join the Facebook group specifically for this podcast www.facebook.com/groups/suelarkeypodcastcommunity/ Join my Neurodiversity Network suelarkey.com.au/neurodiversity-network/ Follow my Instagram account for regular tips www.instagram.com/sue.larkey/ To learn more about teaching or understanding ASD, please visit my website below. elearning.suelarkey.com.au

Join Sue for an upcoming Live Virtual Workshop where you will learn from Sue practical tips & strategies to make a difference. In this episode, we will discuss: ✅ AuDHD Definition: 50-70% of autistic people also have ADHD. ✅ Contradictory Needs: Students want both routine and variety simultaneously. ✅ Sensory Support: Sensory needs often overlooked in ADHD students. ✅ Visual Learning: Visuals and kinesthetic learning crucial for AuDHD. ✅ RSD Definition: Hypersensitivity to negative or perceived negative feedback. ✅ RSD Prevalence: Affects 98-99% of people with ADHD. ✅ Peer Approval: Students prioritize peer acceptance over consequences. Read more about this podcast in the show notes found via the link below suelarkey.com.au/audhd-classroom-strategies-teachers Join the Facebook group specifically for this podcast www.facebook.com/groups/suelarkeypodcastcommunity/ Join my Neurodiversity Network suelarkey.com.au/neurodiversity-network/ Follow my Instagram account for regular tips www.instagram.com/sue.larkey/ To learn more about teaching or understanding ASD, please visit my website below. elearning.suelarkey.com.au

Join Sue for an upcoming Live Virtual Workshop where you will learn from Sue practical tips & strategies to make a difference. In this episode, we will discuss: ✅ Individual Needs: Every child requires different sensory tools and breaks. ✅ Teaching When Calm: Practice break routines before children become overwhelmed. ✅ Energy Levels: Some children need movement, not quiet spaces. ✅ Sensory Tools: Include fidgets, weighted items, breathing activities, textures. ✅ Glasses Analogy: Find the right sensory fit for each student. ✅ Return Strategy: Teach children how to transition back from breaks. ✅ Nonverbal Access: Use tokens or cards so kids don't ask. Read more about this podcast in the show notes found via the link below suelarkey.com.au/sensory-break-space-strategies Join the Facebook group specifically for this podcast www.facebook.com/groups/suelarkeypodcastcommunity/ Join my Neurodiversity Network suelarkey.com.au/neurodiversity-network/ Follow my Instagram account for regular tips www.instagram.com/sue.larkey/ To learn more about teaching or understanding ASD, please visit my website below. elearning.suelarkey.com.au

Join Sue for an upcoming Live Virtual Workshop where you will learn from Sue practical tips & strategies to make a difference. In this episode, we will discuss: ✅ Executive Functioning: Brain's admin team for planning and organization. ✅ Autistic Inertia: Difficulty starting and stopping tasks for neurodivergent individuals. ✅ Environment Impact: Autism plus environment equals outcome, not child's fault. ✅ No Equals Never: Autistic children hear "no" as permanent denial. ✅ Object Permanence: Out of sight causes anxiety or forgetting. ✅ Structure Changes: Modify environment rather than forcing child to adapt. ✅ Practical Strategies: Spare supplies, warnings, and opt-out boxes help. Read more about this podcast in the show notes found via the link below suelarkey.com.au/autistic-inertia-teaching-methods Join the Facebook group specifically for this podcast www.facebook.com/groups/suelarkeypodcastcommunity/ Join my Neurodiversity Network suelarkey.com.au/neurodiversity-network/ Follow my Instagram account for regular tips www.instagram.com/sue.larkey/ To learn more about teaching or understanding ASD, please visit my website below. elearning.suelarkey.com.au

Join Sue for an upcoming Live Virtual Workshop where you will learn from Sue practical tips & strategies to make a difference. In this episode, we will discuss: ✅ Executive Functioning: Skills needed to complete tasks successfully. ✅ Eight Skills: Self-monitoring, planning, flexibility, organization, emotions, impulses, initiation, memory. ✅ Autistic Inertia: Difficulty starting tasks due to overwhelm or anxiety. ✅ Teachable Skills: Executive functioning improves with practice and support. ✅ Visual Supports: Time timers and written instructions help students focus. ✅ Environmental Changes: Modify classroom structure rather than changing the child. ✅ Brain Breaks: Movement, music, or snacks can jumpstart task initiation. Read more about this podcast in the show notes found via the link below suelarkey.com.au/executive-function-classroom-strategies Join the Facebook group specifically for this podcast www.facebook.com/groups/suelarkeypodcastcommunity/ Join my Neurodiversity Network suelarkey.com.au/neurodiversity-network/ Follow my Instagram account for regular tips www.instagram.com/sue.larkey/ To learn more about teaching or understanding ASD, please visit my website below. elearning.suelarkey.com.au

Join Sue for an upcoming Live Virtual Workshop where you will learn from Sue practical tips & strategies to make a difference. In this episode, we will discuss: ✅ Timing: Start secondary transition planning in year five. ✅ Visits: Visit schools with students present, not empty. ✅ Sensory: Address smells, sounds, and movement in secondary. ✅ Language: Teach "I'm unsure" instead of "help me." ✅ Tools: Use videos, maps, and timetable practice. ✅ Social: Consider peer connections over academic rankings. ✅ Maturity: Avoid childish items like decorated lunchboxes. Read more about this podcast in the show notes found via the link below suelarkey.com.au/secondary-school-transition-strategies Join the Facebook group specifically for this podcast www.facebook.com/groups/suelarkeypodcastcommunity/ Join my Neurodiversity Network suelarkey.com.au/neurodiversity-network/ Follow my Instagram account for regular tips www.instagram.com/sue.larkey/ To learn more about teaching or understanding ASD, please visit my website below. elearning.suelarkey.com.au

Join Sue for an upcoming Live Virtual Workshop where you will learn from Sue practical tips & strategies to make a difference. In this episode, we will discuss: ✅ Teacher Assistants: Provide crucial one-on-one support for students. ✅ Independence: Encourage students to work toward self-reliance daily. ✅ Coping Strategies: Teach calm breathing and simple choice-based actions. ✅ Hidden Rules: Explain classroom routines and unspoken expectations clearly. ✅ Timing Support: Schedule assistance when students are most engaged. ✅ Flexibility: Encourage resilience, mistakes, and trying again without fear. ✅ Avoid Helplessness: Let students attempt tasks before offering direct help. Read more about this podcast in the show notes found via the link below suelarkey.com.au/teacher-assistant-neurodiverse-support-strategies Join the Facebook group specifically for this podcast www.facebook.com/groups/suelarkeypodcastcommunity/ Join my Neurodiversity Network suelarkey.com.au/neurodiversity-network/ Follow my Instagram account for regular tips www.instagram.com/sue.larkey/ To learn more about teaching or understanding ASD, please visit my website below. elearning.suelarkey.com.au

Join Sue for an upcoming Live Virtual Workshop where you will learn from Sue practical tips & strategies to make a difference. In this episode, we will discuss: ✅ TA Relationships: Consistent bonds aid autistic students without unhealthy dependency. ✅ Role Clarity: Teachers lead instruction; TAs support, not replace teachers. ✅ Predictability: Consistent TA assignments reduce anxiety and improve classroom stability. ✅ Collaboration: Teachers and TAs coordinate, leaving egos at the door. ✅ Behavior Communication: Behavior expresses needs when communication is limited. ✅ Generalization: Teach skills across contexts to prevent rigid, situation-bound learning. ✅ Student Agency: Let students choose support methods and TA use in secondary. Read more about this podcast in the show notes found via the link below suelarkey.com.au/teacher-assistant-classroom-strategies Join the Facebook group specifically for this podcast www.facebook.com/groups/suelarkeypodcastcommunity/ Join my Neurodiversity Network suelarkey.com.au/neurodiversity-network/ Follow my Instagram account for regular tips www.instagram.com/sue.larkey/ To learn more about teaching or understanding ASD, please visit my website below. elearning.suelarkey.com.au

Join Sue for an upcoming Live Virtual Workshop where you will learn from Sue practical tips & strategies to make a difference. In this episode, we will discuss: ✅ Don't wait for readiness signs when toilet training. ✅ Use visuals to support children with communication difficulties. ✅ Find perfect calm moments to teach new skills. ✅ Make learning fun and engaging for better outcomes. ✅ Create communication-rich environments with picture exchange systems. ✅ Provide sensory breaks to help children self-regulate. ✅ Start toilet training on actual toilet, avoid potties. Read more about this podcast in the show notes found via the link below suelarkey.com.au/visual-strategies-neurodiverse-children Join the Facebook group specifically for this podcast www.facebook.com/groups/suelarkeypodcastcommunity/ Join my Neurodiversity Network suelarkey.com.au/neurodiversity-network/ Follow my Instagram account for regular tips www.instagram.com/sue.larkey/ To learn more about teaching or understanding ASD, please visit my website below. elearning.suelarkey.com.au