AESH and Support for Autistic Students: Resources and Training
Developing skills for effective and caring support of students with ASD
AESH (Accompanying Students with Disabilities) play a crucial role in the education of autistic students. Present daily with the student, they facilitate inclusion, assist with learning, and help with self-regulation. However, initial training is often insufficient to effectively support an autistic child. This article offers AESH resources and suggestions to develop their skills.
The Role of AESH with an Autistic Student
Facilitating Access to Learning
Rephrasing the teacher's instructions, helping with work organization, maintaining attention on the task, adapting materials if necessary. The AESH bridges the gap between collective teaching and the individual needs of the student.
Supporting Self-Regulation
Identifying signs of stress or overload, proposing calming strategies, guiding to a retreat space if necessary. Preventing crisis situations and helping the student develop self-regulation.
Promoting Social Inclusion
Facilitating interactions with peers, assisting in social situations (recess, cafeteria), guiding towards expected social behaviors while respecting the student's particularities.
Supporting Autonomy
Paradoxically, the goal of the AESH is to become gradually less indispensable. Encouraging the student's autonomy, fading supports when possible, developing skills that will allow the student to work independently.
AESH in France
of initial training (often insufficient)
of supported students are autistic
Training in Autism
The initial training of AESH (60 hours) addresses disability in general but rarely autism in depth. Additional training is essential to understand the specifics of autism and acquire effective strategies.
DYNSEO Training for AESH
The training "Supporting a Child with Autism: Keys and Solutions for Daily Life" from DYNSEO is particularly suited for AESH. It offers a concrete understanding of autism and directly applicable strategies in the classroom. Accessible online, it can be followed at one's own pace.
Discover the trainingPractical Strategies for Daily Life
- Create visual supports for instructions and routines
- Prepare the student for transitions and changes
- Use clear, concrete, and positive language
- Identify stress signals and intervene early
- Offer sensory breaks when necessary
- Value successes and efforts
- Communicate regularly with the teacher
- Discuss with parents about what works
COCO: A Tool for AESH
The COCO PENSE and COCO BOUGE programs can be used by the AESH during autonomous activity times. Adaptable cognitive games and active breaks structure a calm and productive moment, allowing the student to work on cognitive functions in a playful way.
Discover COCO"When I started as an AESH with an autistic student, I felt helpless. The DYNSEO training opened my eyes to how autism works. I understood why certain situations were difficult and learned concrete strategies. Today, I feel like I'm really helping my student progress."
Working as a Team
The AESH does not work alone. Collaboration with the teacher is essential: time for consultation, sharing observations, consistency in approaches. Exchanges with parents and professionals who support the student enrich the assistance. Participate in educational teams when possible.
Conclusion: A Job That Makes a Difference
AESH do essential work for the school inclusion of autistic students. With appropriate training and concrete tools, they can make a real difference in the lives of these students. DYNSEO resources (training and COCO program) support AESH in developing their skills.
To go further, the guide for supporting autistic children offers numerous strategies applicable in the school environment.
