1. Break down tasks into smaller chunks

 Large tasks can seem daunting and overwhelming for all young people, particularly for autistic learners. Breaking down these large tasks into smaller chunks makes them much more manageable and digestible. For example, if a student needs to revise a particular topic in its entirety, when creating their revision timetable, they can break it down into sections, such as ‘read textbook’, 'create flashcards', ‘write model answer’ and ‘test yourself’. This allows the student to focus on one section at a time rather than feeling overwhelmed by the whole task. (Task Management board or "Now", "Next" or "Later") 

2. Engage with visual aids

Visual aids are incredibly helpful when it comes to revising topics that require memorisation of facts or information. Autistic learners often find visual aids stimulating and engaging, which helps them recall information more easily when studying or sitting exams. Examples of visual aids include diagrams, flowcharts and colour-coded flashcards. 

3. Avoid multitasking

Multitasking is not an effective way of revising for any student, but especially not for autistic learners, who require planned structure and routine in order to stay focused on one task at a time. Instead, each individual task should be completed one at a time with regular breaks in between so that the student does not become overwhelmed or distracted from the task at hand. A weekly revision timetable can also be overwhelming, so it's a good idea for an adult to present the daily tasks with clear breaks planned. 

4. Utilise technology

Technology has revolutionised the way we learn today and autistic learners can benefit from using apps or websites specifically designed for revision purposes like Quizlet or Khan Academy, which provide interactive activities aimed at helping students engage with topics they are revising for their GCSEs. Another idea is to use 'Blooket' to gamify the flashcard revision process. Another site that I've used in the past is Get Revising.

5. Establish study habits early on

Autistic learners often thrive when given structure and routine, so developing good study habits early on will ensure success during this period of revision as well as setting up positive habits going forward in life after their GCSEs have been taken care of! Encourage students to set realistic goals based on their availability; this could include having specific days dedicated completely to studying certain topics each week or employing situational strategies, such as revising English in the living room and maths in the kitchen - this works well for students to reduce overwhelm about recalling revision in exams.  Also, schedule breaks and treats into the agreed timetable.