Supporting Autistic Learners: Autistic Children and Young People with High Care and Education Needs

Supporting Autistic Learners: Autistic Children and Young People with High Care and Education Needs This training brings together parents, family members, and education professionals to build a shared understanding of how autistic children and young people with high care and education needs experience the world. Autism is a naturally occurring form of neurodiversity. Differences in communication, sensory processing, movement, emotional regulation, and learning are integral aspects of autistic identity, not deficits to be corrected. When adults work together to adapt environments, expectations, and interactions to align with autistic neurology, children and young people are more likely to feel safe, understood, and able to engage meaningfully. This session emphasises the value of partnership. Families bring deep relational knowledge; professionals bring educational and clinical expertise. When these perspectives are combined, support becomes more consistent, respectful, and effective. A key focus of this session is the visual strengths many autistic learners demonstrate. Thoughtfully used visual approaches can reduce uncertainty, support understanding, and promote regulation across home, school, and community settings. Participants will explore: Why visual supports often align naturally with autistic processing styles. How visuals can support communication, learning, and emotional wellbeing rather than compliance alone. The importance of consistency across environments and adults in supporting felt safety. A range of flexible visual approaches that honour each child or young person's strengths, interests, access needs, and identity.