Private Tutors and Coaches for Autistic Students
-
Verified and vetted educators
-
Compassionate support
-
Sessions start from £72

How Autism Affects Learning In Students
-
Social Interaction Differences
Autistic students often communicate and express themsleves differently to their neurotypical peers. Autistic students may think and speak in a literal way, preferring clear and direct communication. This can lead to being perceived as ‘rude’ or ‘blunt’ when this is in fact not the case. Autistic students may struggle to interpret body language and other non-verbal cues, leading to difficulties understanding and engaging in neurotypical social exchanges.
-
Communication Differences
Autistic students may process information more slowly and thoroughly than their neurotypical peers, meaning they may require some extra time to consider their responses when in conversation. In a classroom setting, this can cause challenges for autistic students, who may struggle to understand instructions when not delivered clearly enough by the teacher. Answering questions on the spot or working within a group might also feel very stressful if the student is not given time to process the question/converation and consider their response.
-
Sensory Sensitivities
Sensory sensitivities and a heightened awareness of external stimuli can significantly impact learning for autistic students by causing overwhelming reactions to certain stimuli, such as loud noises, bright lights, or specific textures, leading to discomfort and distraction. These sensitivities can make it difficult for students to focus on lessons, participate in activities, or feel comfortable in a typical classroom environment. Additionally, sensory overload can result in increased anxiety and stress, further hindering their ability to engage with the material and interact with peers and teachers effectively.
-
Executive Functioning Challenges
Executive function difficulties can affect autistic students in the classroom by impairing their ability to plan, organise, and complete tasks efficiently. These students might struggle with following multi-step instructions, managing time, and transitioning between activities, which can lead to frustration and incomplete work. Additionally, challenges with impulse control and flexible thinking can make it hard to adapt to changes in routines or unexpected events, further impacting academic performance and social interactions.
-
Academic Struggles
Autistic students may face academic struggles due to difficulties with executive functioning, which can make organising tasks, managing time, and following instructions challenging. Sensory sensitivities can also lead to distractions and discomfort in the classroom, hindering their ability to concentrate and engage with the material. Furthermore, communication barriers can affect their participation in discussions, group work, and ability to ask for help, leading to misunderstandings and gaps in their learning.
-
Behavioral Challenges
Autistic students may experience behavioural challenges in the classroom when their needs are not optimally accommodated. Sensory sensitivities can trigger behaviors like fidgeting, leaving the classroom, or avoiding certain activities to manage overwhelming stimuli. They might also need a high degree of consistency in routines and find new situations stressful to navigate, resulting in distress or meltdowns when the classroom environment or schedule is altered.
-
Emotional Issues
Many autistic students experience alexythemia – difficulty identifying, understanding and describing emotions. This can lead to difficulties with emotional regualtion, as well as social challenges where the student doesn’t respond to certain social situations in a way which is seen as socially appropriate. These issues can lead to anxiety, stress or isolation when they are not properly accommodated and understood. Additionally, coping with sensory sensitivities and navigating situations in which sensory, processing and communication needs are not met can cause significant stress, potentially leading to emotional outbursts or withdrawal.
-
Low Self-esteem
Autistic students often experience low self-esteem when their natural ways of thinking, communicating, and learning are misunderstood or undervalued. Frequent criticism or pressure to conform to neurotypical expectations can make them feel out of place, especially in schools that do not embrace different ways of socialising and learning. Without recognition of their strengths, they may focus more on their challenges, affecting their confidence.
Social difficulties can also contribute, particularly if they struggle to form connections or face exclusion from peer groups. Difficulty interpreting neurotypical cues or sensory sensitivities can make socialising exhausting, leading to feelings of isolation. However, in environments that recognise and celebrate neurodiversity, autistic students can build confidence, self-acceptance, and a strong sense of identity.
Supporting An Autistic Student
-
Provide Visual Supports
Visual supports, such as picture schedules, color-coded charts, and visual timers, can help autistic students by providing clear, consistent cues that enhance understanding and reduce anxiety in communication. For example, a picture schedule can break down the day’s activities into manageable steps, making routines and expectations more predictable.
-
Use Clear and Concise Language
Using clear and concise language with autistic students is more than just a communication strategy. It’s a way to help them stay focused and confident. By avoiding extra details or unclear wording, it reduces confusion and ensures they clearly understand what’s expected of them. Ask students about their communication preferences and tailor your approach accordingly. Some autistic students, for example, prefer literal explanations, rather than ones which include idiomatic language, metaphors and figures of speech.
-
Accommodate Sensitivities
To accommodate sensory sensitivities in autistic students, create a calm and predictable environment by reducing loud noises, bright lights, or overwhelming smells that might cause discomfort. Offer sensory tools like noise-cancelling headphones, fidget toys, or weighted blankets to help them manage sensory input. It’s also important to give students the flexibility to take breaks or use quiet spaces when they feel overstimulated. These accommodations can help autistic students feel more comfortable and focused, leading to better learning and a more positive school experience. Remember, each autistic student is different, so try to work with them to ensure that their particular sensitivities are being accommodated.
-
Use Positive Reinforcement
It’s important to develop each student’s self-esteem by celebrating their efforts and successes (big and small!), which will encourage them to keep trying and improving. For example, praising a student for completing a challenging maths problem or offering a small reward for finishing a reading assignment can boost their confidence and motivation, making learning more enjoyable. This approach can lead to better academic progress and a stronger belief in their abilities.
-
Find The Right Support
Specialised therapists, such as speech, occupational, and behavioural therapists, can work with students to boost confidence with communication, help understand and accommodate sensory processing, and develop coping strategies. Specialist autism/SEN tutors can tailor learning strategies and accommodations to fit the student’s needs, ensuring they engage with their school subjects to the best of their academic potential. Additionally, support groups and community resources can offer valuable connections, social opportunities, and access to a network of peers and families with similar experiences.
How Can an Autism Tutor Help Me?
-
One-to-one Support
At Sunbeam Education, our expert SEN and autism tutors tailor their teaching methods and materials to accommodate the distinctive needs of each autistic student. For example, our tutors can break complex principles into more digestible sections and provide step-by-step guidance on how to tackle their workload.
-
Structure and Routine
Our specialist autism tutors can help our students foster structure and routine by creating consistent, predictable schedules that help students know what to expect during each session. Tutors use clear, step-by-step instructions and use repetition to reinforce learning and build a sense of stability. Additionally, out tutors incorporate visual aids and structured activities tailored to each student’s specific needs, making the learning environment more organised and easier to navigate.
-
Self-Management Skills
Sunbeam’s tutors can teach self-management skills by helping students recognise and understand their emotions and behaviours regarding their studies. Our expert tutors guide students in setting achievable learning goals and breaking tasks into manageable steps so they can gradually take more control over their learning and daily routines. Using tools such as checklists, visual schedules, and timers, we aim to empower students to monitor their progress and make adjustments as needed, fostering independence and confidence in their ability to manage themselves.
-
Sensory Sensitivity
Our specialist SEN and autism tutors can address sensory sensitivities by first identifying the specific triggers that affect each student, whether it’s noise, light, texture, or other stimuli. Tutors can then help students create a comfortable learning environment by minimising these triggers and advising on sensory-friendly tools, like noise-cancelling headphones or calming fidget items. Additionally, our tutors can teach students strategies to manage their sensitivities, such as using deep-breathing exercises or taking sensory breaks, so they can better cope with challenging environments both inside and outside the classroom.
-
Building Confidence
At Sunbeam Education, our specialist SEN and autism tutors adapt their teaching methods and materials to accommodate the distinctive needs of each autistic student.
The Autism Tutoring Experience At Sunbeam Education
-
Understanding And Compassionate Tutors
Our tutors provide individualised expert support, helping students thrive academically while encouraging them to grow as individuals.
-
Improve confidence in learning
We work with primary and secondary school, homeschooled and university students to build their confidence in their abilities. We teach through positive reinforcement and compassionate understanding.
-
Reduce emotional distress
Our tutors tailor their teaching to each individual student's strengths and challenges, in order to help reduce stress and anxiety around learning. A calm environment is critical for learning.
How To Hire A Good Tutor For SEN From Sunbeam Education
-
Find A Tutor Who Works For You
Find the perfect tutor by assessing their skills and compatibility. Connect directly with our tutors to discuss your needs. Use our messaging system to ask questions, check compatability, or arrange an introductory call.
-
Schedule A Free Introductory Chat
Book a free introductory call with one of our expert autism tutors or coaches to discuss options and ask any questions you may have about their process of supporting autistic students.
-
Onboard Your Tutor
As soon as you feel confident in your selected tutor's methods and procedures, you can begin your course immediately via our online booking service.