I Am Autistic: Autism Workbook Exploring Feelings, Thoughts, Behaviours & Bodily Sensations
This workbook has been designed to support Autistic children to explore and share with others what it is like being Autistic.
The booklet invites young people to explore what being Autistic looks and feels like for them personally as we recognise that this is different for every Autistic person. It can be customised to suit individual young people and specific needs by removing or including specific activity sheets.
“Autism can be described in lots of different ways and it means different things to different people! Some Autistic people find communicating with other people tricky. Some Autistic people like to do things over and over again. Some Autistic people find it hard when routines are changed. An Autistic person shows different traits, strengths, and weaknesses. Autism is on a spectrum or scale. This is because everyone experiences being Autistic in different ways.”
Relevant Curriculum Links
England PSHE Statutory Curriculum Strands:
- KS1: H15. to recognise that not everyone feels the same at the same time, or feels the same about the same things.
- KS1: H18 – different things they can do to manage big feelings, to help calm themselves down and/or change their mood when they don’t feel good.
- KS1: H21. to recognise what makes them special.
- KS1: H22. to recognise the ways in which we are all unique.
- KS1: H23. to identify what they are good at, what they like and dislike.
- KS1: R23. to recognise the ways in which they are the same and different to others.
- KS1: R24. how to listen to other people and play and work cooperatively
- KS1: R25. how to talk about and share their opinions on things that matter to them.
- KS2: H20 – strategies to respond to feelings, including intense or conflicting feelings; how to manage and respond to feelings appropriately and proportionately in different situations.
- KS2: H21 – to recognise warning signs about mental health and wellbeing and how to seek support for themselves and others.
- KS2: H25. about personal identity; what contributes to who we are (e.g. ethnicity, family, gender, faith, culture, hobbies, likes/dislikes).
- KS2: H27. to recognise their individuality and personal qualities.
- KS2: H28. to identify personal strengths, skills, achievements and interests and how these contribute to a sense of self-worth.
- KS2: R31. to recognise the importance of self-respect and how this can affect their thoughts and feelings about themselves; that everyone, including them, should expect to be treated politely and with respect by others (including when online and/or anonymous) in school and in wider society; strategies to improve or support courteous, respectful relationships.
- KS2: R32. about respecting the differences and similarities between people and recognising what they have in common with others e.g. physically, in personality or background.
Scottish Health and Wellbeing Curriculum Outcome(s):
- I understand that my feelings and reactions can change depending upon what is happening within and around me. This helps me to understand my own behaviour and the way others behave. HWB 0-04a / HWB 1-04a / HWB 2-04a / HWB 3-04a / HWB 4-04a.
- I am learning skills and strategies which will support me in challenging times, particularly in relation to change and loss. HWB 0-07a / HWB 1-07a / HWB 2-07a / HWB 3-07a / HWB 4-07a.
- I know that we all experience a variety of thoughts and emotions that affect how we feel and behave and I am learning ways of managing them. HWB 0-02a / HWB 1-02a / HWB 2-02a / HWB 3-02a / HWB 4-02a.
- I understand the importance of mental wellbeing and that this can be fostered and strengthened through personal coping skills and positive relationships. I know that it is not always possible to enjoy good mental health and that if this happens there is support available. HWB 0-06a / HWB 1-06a / HWB 2-06a / HWB 3-06a / HWB 4-06a.
- I recognise that we have similarities and differences but are all unique. HWB 0-47a / HWB 1-47a.
- I recognise that each individual has a unique blend of abilities and needs. I contribute to making my school community one which values individuals equally and is a welcoming place for all. HWB 0-10a / HWB 1-10a / HWB 2-10a / HWB 3-10a / HWB 4-10a.
