COURSE INFORMATION

This course will:

  • Help you manage positive interaction with people who have an Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
  • Provide you with an understanding of ASD and how it may manifest itself
  • Provide you with an understanding of treatments/care
  • Show you how ASD can be recognised/diagnosed
  • Show you how you can improve and enhance the experiences for people with an ASD that they come into contact with
  • Allow you to understand why ASD awareness is important not only on a personal basis but also for your respective organisations
  • Provide you with an understanding of what organisations and resources are available to help both you and service users

What is autism?

  • A brief history with some fact and figures
  • An opportunity to discuss what participants know already, or what they have read in the media, or experienced.
  • Exploration of what a learning difficulty is
  • Definition of autistic spectrum disorders and some associated conditions
  • Autistic behaviours
  • Introduction of the key ideas of the “spectrum” and individuality
  • Diagnosis and referral processes

Life through autistic eyes

  • In practical terms, what is the daily experience like for someone with ASD?
  • What are the daily challenges?
  • What are the associated problems, such as food, noise, sleep and medication?
  • What treatment and therapy has been found to be helpful?
  • How do individuals with ASD get on with the rest of society?
  • What is great about having ASD?

Strategies and techniques

  • Creating an ASD friendly environment
  • Procedures to encourage interaction and participation
  • Sources of support
  • Adapting our workplace
  • Adapting ourselves!  Communication and social strategies

Participants’ questions – any particular issues?

Depending on the facilities the course will use:

  • ICT and online resources for video and powerpoint presentations
  • Group and paired discussion, with feedback
  • Short role play scenarios
  • Handout to support underpinning knowledge with further research options
  • You will be encouraged to reflect on your own understanding and attitudes to explore issues around inclusion, with particular emphasis on workplace and customer services relationships