COURSE INFORMATION

This course will help you manage positive interaction with people who have an Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and provide you with an understanding of ASD and how it may manifest itself. It will also provide you with an understanding of treatments/care and show you how ASD can be recognised/diagnosed. You will also learn how you can improve and enhance the experiences for people with an ASD that they come into contact with and understand why ASD awareness is important not only on a personal basis but also for your respective organisations.

 

This course will also 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
  • Various college courses - dependent on other existing qualifications