Approaches

The intervention approaches utilised by Solution-focused School Support are grounded in evidence-based best practice for students with Autism or SEN. In contrast, the typical use of 'eclectic' unsubstantiated programs of support can result in wasted time, effort and resources. Families and schools have finite amounts of these ingredients, so it only makes sense to follow a course of action that uses effective interventions from the outset.

Solution-focused

WHY A SOLUTION-FOCUSED APPROACH TO SUPPORTING FAMILIES AND SCHOOLS?

“Solution-focused is a future-focused, goal-directed approach to therapy that highlights the importance of searching for solutions rather than focusing on problems”
(Trepper, Dolan, McCollum, & Nelson, 2006; Proudlock & Wellman, 2011)

Solution-focused approaches are increasingly being utilised in a wide range of human change methodologies and various coaching applications. Solution-focused approaches to facilitating purposeful positive change are strengths-based approaches which emphasise people’s resources and resilience and how these can be used in the pursuit of goals and the enactment of change.

Why does this work?

I believe that working collaboratively with all stakeholders is critical - not only for a solution to end conflict between parties - but to effectively support a successful implementation of an agreed intervention. This is traditionally where both families and schools experience failure. The appropriate application of evidence-based best practice allows for a systematic, data driven approach that benefits the child with special educational needs, the school, and the family.

How can this be accomplished?

School and home observations (Functional Behaviour Assessment)
Relevant educational and behaviour assessments
Stakeholder meetings including: Team Around the Child (TAC), Team Around the Family (TAF). and Annual Reviews (scheduled and emergency)
Staff and whole-school skills assessment and training
Classroom/school environmental assessment
Functional Behaviour Analysis (FBA) to support implementation of agreed intervention

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)

At Solution-focused School Support we use ABA to inform our decisions regarding support for your child/student from the outset. ABA is evidence-based and has a wealth of peer-reviewed research to support it’s efficacy in developing interventions that accurately assess your child’s strengths in-home and in-school and then develop a plan of action that works across both environments - for the benefit of all. The objective, data driven approach that is fundamental to ABA works well within a school context as educators are required to provide evidence of the progress of their students and the efficacy of any additional supports - if necessary. In fact, in those cases where a school is seeking to apply for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) providing evidence in this regard is essential.

A Solution-focused and ABA Approach to School Support is:

“Helping individuals and their families develop, improve and expand socially significant behaviours” using “The science of the study of behaviour” (aka ABA).

Both of the above statements are absolutely true regarding Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and form the philosophical basis for professionals working with all individuals.(For more information on what modern ABA is really all about, and to dispel some myths and misinformation please click here).

A key component of our approach to supporting students in mainstream setting is Natural Environment Teaching (NET). NET takes advantage of using the school’s existing curriculum, routines, rules and expectations and develops those relevant skills of the student to be successful. This is applied in tandem with helping educators to look objectively at the learning environment for their students with Autism or SEN to be successful by making accommodations and modifications based on the child’s strengths and needs.