Autism and Communication: Autistic Children and Young People with High Care and Education Needs

Autism and Communication: Autistic Children and Young People with High Care and Education Needs Autistic communication is different, not disordered. This session supports families and professionals to move beyond neurotypical communication norms as the default and to recognise the many valid and meaningful ways autistic children and young people communicate. Communication may include speech, alternative and augmentative communication (AAC), visuals, movement, behaviour, vocalisations, echolalia, regulation based cues, or silence. All forms of communication are worthy of respect and response. Together, participants will: Explore contemporary, neuroaffirming ways of understanding communication differences between autistic and non-autistic people. Reflect on their own communication styles and expectations, and how these may either support or unintentionally limit autistic communicators. Learn practical, respectful strategies to support receptive, expressive, and shared communication across everyday interactions. The focus throughout is on communication as connection and understanding, not performance or normalisation.