By the end of this module you should be able to:
- outline how autism has come to be defined and diagnosed
- describe common difficulties often faced by people on the autism spectrum
- describe some of the strengths and unique attributes of people on the autism spectrum
- challenge common stereotypes about people on the autism spectrum
- recognise how to make environments more enabling for people on the autism spectrum.
“I think overall this course would be a great introduction for some of the new/temporary staff we have, if they lack experience in working with people on the autism spectrum” Ralph Simmonds, Hackney Council
This introductory module explores providing support for people on the spectrum and their families. Learners will discover the experiences of families, consider common difficulties and acquire effective approaches for support.
By the end of this module you should be able to:
- Recognise the experiences of families that include members on the autism spectrum
- Identify the support needs of families that include members on the autism spectrum.
- Respond to the changing support needs of families that include members on the autism spectrum throughout their lives.
This introductory module explores the differences in how people on the spectrum experience stress and anxiety. Learners will explore the factors that impact on stress and anxiety, in order to provide effective support to reduce that impact on people on the spectrum.
By the end of this module you should be able to:
- describe and discuss stress and anxiety as bodily and mental processes and reflect on how stress and anxiety can affect you
- understand differences in how stress and anxiety are experienced by people on the autism spectrum
- identify factors that can impact on the stress and anxiety experienced by people on the autism spectrum
- recognise how to reduce the impact of stress and anxiety on people on the autism spectrum
This introductory module explores how people respond to information from the senses and how this can be experienced differently by people on the spectrum. Learners will be better able to recognise the impact of these differences for people on the spectrum and how to respond to sensory needs to provide effective support.
By the end of this module you should be able to:
- describe and discuss how people process sensory information and how to identify your own sensory preferences
- understand differences in how people on the autism spectrum experience and process sensory information
- identify the impact of sensory differences on every day life for people on the autism spectrum
- recognise and respond to sensory needs of people on the autism spectrum.
This introductory module explores how to recognise communication differences for people on the spectrum and what factors impact upon successful communication. This will allow learners to respond to communication differences to effectively support people on the autism spectrum.
By the end of this module you should be able to:
- describe and discuss language and communication use and reflect on your own communication style
- understand variations in use of language and communication in autism
- identify factors that can impact on (successful) communication
- recognise and respond to the natural communication preferences of people on the autism spectrum.
“It gives a good over view of the fact that not all folk with autism are the same and that there is a variety of communication methods that are used and preferred”. Malcolm Hamilton, NHS Highlands