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6 DEALING WITH DYSREGULATION When a child is overwhelmed or dysregulated, it can be helpful to have a known, quiet space where they can take their time to find some calm. Try to minimise your words; it’s tough, I know, as you may just want to reassure them. Just being by their side can be enough, however, and they will eventually join your calm. An autistic adult once described this situation to me as, “It can feel like an extra radio going off that I cannot tune into; it gives me even more to process.” Once they are calm, talk to the child and/ or use visuals to help them name their emotions. 7 MODELLING PATIENCE & COMPASSION Modelling patience and compassion towards autistic children teaches their peers to do the same. You’ll find this extends into playtime, and you will be super proud watching your pupils help one another, often hearing your own words back! Never doubt that your efforts will make a difference. As a parent of two autistic children, I appreciate this more than you know. 8 GIVING POSITIVE DIRECTION When giving instruction to an autistic child, it’s useful to direct a child towards what “to do”. Often, we direct autistic children on what “not to do”, leaving them with no idea of the action or behaviour that is required. You will also get a better response from them by using a positive direction, as they will feel as though you have understood their challenges. It’s also important to consider language choices; autistic children can be very literal, so it’s helpful to avoid idioms, using visuals and keywords you know that they understand. SUPPORTIVE STRATEGIES Ready Eddie Go! is a series of children’s books by author Nikki Saunders that takes young readers through day-to-day experiences that an autistic child may find challenging. Featuring themes such as “Eddie’s First Haircut”, “The Birthday Party”and “Painting”, the books use a clear structure and visuals to help readers understand each story and provide gentle, supportive strategies that may help when they face similar experiences to Eddie. The books were created by Nikki to support her eldest son, Tyler, after he was diagnosed with sensory processing differences, hypermobility, and autism at the age of three. As Tyler grew older, he began asking questions about how he perceived the world differently from his peers. Nikki searched bookshops for vibrant, positive books about autism but found nothing. This lack of representation led her to write a book herself, creating a character named Eddie, modelled after Tyler. Eddie became a symbol of understanding for Tyler, offering him comfort and connection. Inspired by Tyler’s reaction to Eddie, Nikki’s efforts grew beyond books, leading her to bring Ready Eddie Go! to life on screen with SKY Kids, voiced by Jodie Whittaker. Visit nrsaunders.com © Hocus Pocus Studio Teachearlyyears.com 33