A HEADTEACHER wants to open peoples’ eyes to the condition of autism.

Kathie Bryan is head of The Chalet School, in Liden, where all 30 pupils are autistic. She invited the Adver along to the school to learn more about the condition in line with World Awareness Autism Day today.

Kathie is keen to smash stereotypical views about children with autism.

“They do have very loving relationships with their families despite what people say,” she said.

“But they can make life very difficult at home. It is also said that they don’t have a sense of humour but all our children have a sense of humour.”

The Chalet uses a range of specialist teaching methods to help children communicate and learn.

Youngsters are encouraged to use symbols to indicate what they want using a method called The Picture Exchange Communication System.

“Quite a few children with autism are non-verbal so need to find their voice, although some never will,” said Kathie.

“They start off using symbols to indicate something they really want – like a Smartie. They then learn over time that they can get what they want by using the symbol. Eventually they start to make sentences.”

The school also uses a programme called the Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children , which helps youngsters adapt to home and school life.

“Autistic children often live in their own world so we have to draw them out of that world and give them a reason to interact, “ said Kathie.

“We go into their world in order to help them come into ours.

“I would say to others ‘Just accept a person with autism as you would everyone else.’ They have such a lot to offer.

“Our children always have a talent. They could get 100 per cent in a test measuring practical problem solving.”

The Chalet School caters for children who have autism and one other complex need, such as ADHD. Most of its pupils are boys as only one in four autistic children are girls.