ASD

At Bruern Abbey School, we recognise the distinct challenges that pupils with ASD may encounter. Our tailored approach to education is designed to provide a structured, nurturing, and understanding environment where every child can flourish. We take the time to explore what ASD means for your son or daughter, how it impacts their learning and daily life, and the ways in which Bruern Abbey School can offer the right support to help them grow in confidence and achieve their full potential.

What is ASD?

ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how people interact, communicate, and process the world around them. It is called a “spectrum” because it varies widely in how it presents, from highly independent individuals to those needing significant support.

Strengths associated with ASD

Can become highly skilled in areas of interest
Direct, truthful, and loyal
Great at spotting patterns and solving complex problems
Unique perspectives and original ideas
Prefers consistency, making them dependable in structured settings
Excellent recall for facts, numbers, or specific details

Challenges associated with ASD

Difficulty reading social cues and maintaining conversations
Overwhelm from loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures
Trouble with planning, organisation, or time management
Prefers routine and can get anxious with unpredictability
May struggle to express or manage emotions in expected ways

Recognising the Signs

Children with ASD often experience differences in social communication, which can affect how they interact with others. They may find it challenging to understand social cues such as facial expressions or tone of voice and often prefer structured, predictable interactions over spontaneous conversations. Making small talk, maintaining eye contact, or interpreting sarcasm and idioms can be difficult, as they tend to take language literally. Rather than engaging in casual conversations, they may gravitate toward deep, focused discussions on specific topics of interest.

In addition to social differences, many children with ASD exhibit repetitive behaviours and sensory sensitivities. They may engage in movements such as hand-flapping or rocking and often develop intense interests in particular subjects. Routines provide comfort, and unexpected changes can cause distress. Sensory sensitivities vary, with some children overreacting or under-reacting to sounds, textures, lights, or smells. Many also have a strong attention to detail, an exceptional ability to recognise patterns, and a deep focus on hobbies or intellectual pursuits. However, challenges with executive functioning—such as planning, organising, or multitasking—can sometimes make daily tasks more difficult.

Trained and Caring Staff

Our dedicated team of teachers is trained to support pupils with ASD. They are passionate about helping every child reach their full potential and create a nurturing and supportive environment. To read more about our approach to pastoral care click here.

Move to Co-Education

Starting in September 2026, Bruern Abbey will proudly become co-educational, with girls joining the Prep School first, and the Senior School opening to girls in 2027.

Schedule a visit

To learn more about our school and how we can help your child with ASD succeed, we encourage you to enquire and schedule a visit. Witness firsthand our commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience for students with learning differences.

Learn more about the unique expertise we offer at Bruern Abbey here.