This course will provide an understanding of autism and the principles of supporting individuals with autism. Candidates will look at the person-centred approach and the influence that positive communication methods can have. They will also gain an understanding of how individuals with autism can be supported to live healthy and fulfilled lives.

£249 (Funding is available - eligibility criteria may apply)

Eligible for adult funding, or £249 if no funding is applicable. Please contact our team for advice on finance and funding options.

This course is suitable for students aged 14 and over. It is ideal for anyone who currently works in, or would like to work in, the education and health and social care sectors.

Following this course, students will have an introduction to autism. They will understand how to use a person-centred approach to support those with autism; ways of communication and social interaction in individuals with autism and sensory processing, perception and cognition in individuals with autism. Students will also know how to support positive behaviour in individuals with autism and be able to support individuals with autism to live healthy and fulfilled lives.

• Introduction to autism:
  • What is meant by ‘autism’
  • Theories which explore how autism develops
  • Methods of working with those affected
  • Common misconceptions surrounding autism
  • Conditions that develop alongside autism
• Using a person-centred approach to support individuals with autism:
  • Utilising a person-centred approach in order to support individuals with autism, incorporating the unique preferences and needs of the individual
  • Legislation and guidance on autism
  • The support networks available to individuals diagnosed with the condition and their families
• Communication and social interaction in individuals with autism:
  • Delays and difficulties in speech, language, and social development often faced by individuals with autism
  • Methods and strategies that could be used when communicating with an individual with autism
• Sensory processing, perception and cognition in individuals with autism:
  • Sensory processing, perception and cognition in individuals with autism, including hypersensitivity and hypersensitivity
  • How to support the many unique sensory needs of individuals with autism
• Supporting positive behaviour in individuals with autism:
  • Understanding of an individual's behaviour in the context of autism
  • Supporting positive behaviour
  • Helping individuals to develop coping strategies
• Supporting individuals with autism to live healthy and fulfilled lives:
  • Providing effective support through transitions and life events
  • Maintaining the personal safety of others
  • How to access the wealth of services, facilities and employment opportunities open to those living with autism
  • Understanding of what it is like for an individual to live with autism, including their experiences and their challenges

Candidates will require the following equipment for distance learning:

• PC or laptop with a microphone and speakers (a webcam is preferred but not essential)
• Access to the internet and web browser application (e.g. Google Chrome)
• An email account for file sharing