What is the primary role of AESH with autistic students?

AESH (Accompanying Students with Disabilities) play a crucial role in the education of autistic students by being present daily with the student to facilitate inclusion, assist with learning, and help with self-regulation. They bridge the gap between collective teaching and the individual needs of the student.

How do AESH facilitate access to learning for autistic students?

AESH facilitate access to learning by rephrasing the teacher's instructions, helping with work organization, maintaining attention on the task, and adapting materials if necessary. They serve as a bridge between collective teaching and the individual needs of the student.

What does supporting self-regulation involve for AESH working with autistic students?

Supporting self-regulation involves identifying signs of stress or overload, proposing calming strategies, guiding the student to a retreat space if necessary, preventing crisis situations, and helping the student develop self-regulation skills.

How do AESH promote social inclusion for autistic students?

AESH promote social inclusion by facilitating interactions with peers, assisting in social situations such as recess and cafeteria time, and guiding students towards expected social behaviors while respecting the student's particularities.

What is the ultimate goal of AESH support for autistic students?

Paradoxically, the goal of the AESH is to become gradually less indispensable by supporting autonomy. This involves encouraging the student's independence, fading supports when possible, and developing skills that will allow the student to work independently.

School Support

AESH and Support for Autistic Students: Resources and Training

Q: How many AESH are there in France and what training do they receive?

There are 130,000 AESH in France, and they receive 60 hours of initial training. However, this initial training is often insufficient to effectively support an autistic child, which is why additional resources and skill development are necessary.

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.

130,000
AESH in France

60h
of initial training (often insufficient)

30%
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 training

Practical 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."

— AESH, elementary school

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.