Student Support File for Autism / ASD
Guide for Irish Teachers
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting social communication, interaction, and behaviour. In Irish schools, students with autism may need support across multiple NEPS need areas, particularly social and emotional development, communication, and sensory processing.
About Autism / ASD in Irish Schools
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting social communication, interaction, and behaviour. In Irish schools, students with autism may need support across multiple NEPS need areas, particularly social and emotional development, communication, and sensory processing.
Prevalence: Approximately 1-1.5% of school-age children in Ireland are diagnosed with autism, with increasing identification rates in primary schools.
Relevant NEPS Need Areas
When completing the Strengths, Interests & Needs section of the Student Support File, focus on these areas for students with Autism:
Common Strengths
- Strong visual learning ability
- Attention to detail and pattern recognition
- Excellent long-term memory for facts and figures
- Ability to focus deeply on areas of interest
- Honest and rule-following nature
- Consistent routines and reliable attendance
Common Needs
- Support with social interaction and understanding social cues
- Help with flexible thinking and managing transitions
- Sensory regulation strategies for the classroom environment
- Explicit teaching of communication skills
- Structured routines and visual supports
- Support with emotional regulation and anxiety management
Support Strategies by Continuum Level
Record these strategies in the Student Support File under the appropriate Continuum level. Choose strategies based on the student's individual needs, not all strategies will apply.
Classroom Support
ALL - Class teacher-led interventions
- Use visual timetables and schedules displayed at the student's desk
- Provide advance warning of transitions (e.g., 5-minute timer)
- Seat near the teacher and away from sensory distractions
- Use clear, concise language and allow processing time
- Offer structured choices during free time
- Pair with a supportive peer for group activities
- Use social stories to prepare for new situations or changes in routine
School Support
SOME - SET-led targeted teaching
- SET-led social skills group (2-3 sessions per week)
- Individual visual supports programme with regular review
- Targeted language and communication intervention
- Sensory diet developed with OT input if available
- Home-school communication diary for consistency
- Structured friendship programme during break times
School Support Plus
FEW - Multi-disciplinary team involvement
- Individual support plan developed with multidisciplinary team (NEPS, OT, SLT)
- SNA support for personal care, safety, and transitions as per care plan
- Intensive social communication programme (e.g., SCERTS, TEACCH-informed)
- Regular review with parents and external professionals (minimum termly)
- Individualised sensory programme with OT review
- Application for assistive technology if appropriate
Example SSF Phrasing
Copy-paste ready phrasing for the Strengths and Needs sections. Replace [Student] with the student's name.
Strengths Phrasing
- “[Student] has a strong visual memory and can recall details from stories read aloud.”
- “[Student] shows a keen interest in [topic] and can share detailed knowledge with peers.”
- “[Student] is kind, honest, and follows classroom rules consistently.”
- “[Student] has excellent attendance and responds well to structured routines.”
Needs Phrasing
- “[Student] needs support to initiate and maintain reciprocal conversations with peers.”
- “[Student] requires explicit teaching of social cues such as body language and tone of voice.”
- “[Student] benefits from advance warning and visual supports when transitioning between activities.”
- “[Student] needs a sensory-friendly environment to maintain focus during learning activities.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What are SMART targets for autism in Irish primary schools?
How do I write a Student Support File for a child with autism?
What NEPS need areas are most relevant to autism?
What support level does a child with autism need on the Continuum?
Where can I find official Irish guidelines for supporting students with autism?
Official Irish References
Essential Guides
Related Conditions
Generate Your Student Support File with AI
Turn your notes into NCSE-compliant Student Support Files in seconds. SENScribe AI drafts professional documentation so you can focus on teaching.