[senco-forum] ASD and EAL

Hi

We have just accepted an ASD child into our school who has no English language ability either. We are an international school, and the boy has been placed in the Nursery class (he is of Reception class age). His diagnosis is of mild autism but he does not have any English skills (we are a British school following English NC).
We are awaiting for the PECS packs to arrive - but in the meantime anyone have any ideas on how we can make his school life more enjoyable?
The class is not suitable for an ASD child - too many distractions, but we have created a 'home' corner/area for him to focus on - but the difficulty is the language problems. We are not sure at the moment whether its the ASD or the language problem that is affecting his communication. The parents are keen to stree the fact that his autism is mild, that at home he communicates etc. He is responsive to music and enjoys expressing himself with crayons etc. The parents have provided an assistant for him (who has no training whatsoever) and we are trying to train her too with practical advice to assist him, not to restrain him (we have thankfully moved on from the days where she followed him everywhere and took everything from him in case he hurt himself). 
I guess what I am asking is does anyone have practical advice/activities on how we can communicate with this little boy?

Angharad
SENCO 
British School