Autism Awareness

Develop your knowledge and skills in supporting people with Autistic Spectrum Disorder

The course will enable delegates to gain a basic understanding of autism and differentiate between behaviors that arise from an individual’s personality or life experience and those that are directly due to their disability. Delegates will gain practical ideas on how to improve support and reduce stress levels of people with autism.

Course Structure:

Introduction and welcome

Explanation of course
Tutor introduction to delegates (background)

Aims

The aims of the course are:

1. To be able to recognise and understand autism and autistic tendencies.

2. To understand and explore three key areas of social skill (relating skills; communication skills; imagination & understanding)

3. To develop practical skills when supporting people with autism in areas of communication, managing change to minimise stress, and reducing obsessions and rituals.

4. To enhance the quality of life for service users, carers and patients

5. The participants will understand the definition of autism and autistic spectrum disorder

6. The participants will demonstrate their understanding of how the triad of impairment impacts the individual and those supporting them.

7. The participants will examine a range of contemporary approaches to communication, support and personal development for people with autism.

8. The participants will examine strategies for responding to ritualistic/compulsive behaviour

9. The participants will identify potential means of support and help.

Course Content

An introduction to Autism & Autism Spectrum Disorders – symptoms – Social difficulties:

• Language and communication
• Poor imagination
• Causes and treatments – education – medication – therapies.
• Effects of Autism
• Triad of Impairments
• Asperger’s Syndrome - This will look into (Difficulty making friends, Difficulty reading or communicating through non-verbal cues such as facial expressions & body languages, Difficulty understanding social cues)

Teaching Methods

The course involves several activities to support the learning and development aspects of this course and will be delivered by a variety of teaching methods including: presentation; small group discussion; whole group discussion; individual work; case studies and handouts.

Course Evaluation