COMMERCIAL FEATURE Director of Education at New Struan School, JimTaylor, explains why children and young people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can flourish in a dedicated and specially designed environment.

Click on the icon above to view the video of New Struan School

Autism is a lifelong developmental condition which affects the way a person communicates, interacts and views the world around them. The autism spectrum refers to the range of ways the condition actually manifests in the individual which can vary greatly from person to person and throughout their life. While some people will have more subtle difficulties, others will have complex needs requiring more intensive support.

The behaviours and challenges typically associated with autism are often as a result of differences in thinking, processing and perception.

New Struan School, situated in Clackmannanshire in the heart of Scotland, is a pioneering leader in this field, offering up to 42 pupils aged 5-19 an education tailored specifically to their needs. Established over 35 years ago, the school has a staff team equipped with a true understanding of autism and the experience and vision to enable young people to learn and develop. Once they are set on the right path at New Struan, they can make achievements and progress that might have seemed impossible before.

The cornerstone of this most forward thinking of specialist schools is a setting which is specifically designed, both architecturally and in its teaching methods to address solely the needs of children with autism which are distinct from any other group. The staff develop a deep understanding of each individual and their autism in order to identify strategies to overcome the barriers to learning. Looking beyond the immediate ‘behaviour’ of a young person, the staff are skilled at recognising the unique thinking and communication patterns of each pupil and develop teaching methods accordingly which take into account the individual’s communication abilities, strengths and motivations enabling them to learn and flourish at school.

New Struan School offers day and residential places and currently has availability. Watch the video here and for further information go to www.newstruanschool.org or contact the school direct on 01259 222 000 or newstruan@scottishautism.org

Anyone needing further information about Autism Spectrum Disorders should go to the very comprehensive Scottish Autism website www.scottishautism.org which includes helpline and support details.