Assessing and Monitoring

Assessment and monitoring are dynamic and symbiotic processes in which an autistic learner (and every learner) is at the centre. As a result, it should not be divorced from other aspects of the child’s life either at school, home or in the community as illustrated in the ‘My World Triangle’ below.  

The Scottish Context section of the Toolbox  highlights that the provision of support in Scottish early learning and childcare settings and schools should be needs-led and is not dependent on an assessment and diagnosis of autism being in place. If concerns are raised, or difficulties recognised it is important to develop positive collaborative partnerships with all involved.    

Assessment is an integral part of learning and teaching which takes place in every classroom each day. It helps to provide a picture of a learner’s progress and achievements and to identify next steps in learning. Assessment should identify if particular strategies and supports continue to be appropriate for individual pupils. 

Assessment can be for a variety of purposes. These may include, reviewing and revising Individualised Educational/Learning/Support Plans or compiling risk assessments as well as monitoring progress in curriculum areas. Information may be required as part of a ‘joined-up’ assessment, towards development of a pupil profile, diagnostic information or for a Coordinated Support plan, consistent with principles of Getting it right for every child approach to provide a holistic view of the child. Further information on type of education plans can be found in the Supporting Learners and their Families section

Assessment and support doe autism

The assessment of autism in children and young people in schools in Scotland is a process rather than an end-product. It should be a holistic and collaborative process which takes place over a period of time, drawing on a range of observational and assessment methods.  The information provided in the assessment should support the learner’s next steps for learning.  

It is the responsibility of all who work with children to respond appropriately to their needs. Recognising early signs of difficulties and adapting learning and teaching approaches are a regular part of the daily routine for teachers supporting all children in an education environment. It is important that the needs of learners with additional support needs are met in the best possible way by accurate and timely identification – please refer to the information in the Supporting Learners and Families section.   

The My World Triangle is one approach which can be used to gather more information from a range of sources (some of it possibly specialist), to identify the strengths or wellbeing concerns in the child or young person’s world. 

Click here to download the My Word Triangle. 

Further resources, images and information on the My Word Triangle can be accessed here.  

Monitoring

Effective monitoring of autistic learners learning is essential to support their progress and positive experiences of learning. This will guide practitioners to use appropriate levels of assessment and inform their planning. 

Further Professional Development

Select here to access the Professional Reflection and Planning Tool for this section.

Further resources can be found in the Professional Development section.