Autism, Learning Style and Early Communication Skills

Early Years: Autism, Learning Style and Early Communication Skills

Motivating the young child with autism to learn is essential but can be difficult due to the child’s restricted repertoire of skills needed for engagement. Communication, which is at the heart of what happens at home and in school, means communication skills are essential for learning, as well as, social and emotional development. This training will focus on using visual support strategies to facilitate learning and to develop communication skills for both the pre-verbal and verbal child.

Expected Outcomes 
Parents and Carers will:
• Understand the core features of autism and how these can impact on the early development of young children in the home and in the Infant or National School setting.   
• Understand the importance of using visual support strategies to facilitate learning and enhance communication across settings. 
• Develop practical strategies to enhance planned, structured, shared activities across settings.  

Course overview
• The core features of autism and how these impact on the early years child will be discussed.  
• Learning style, and why explicit teaching and visual support strategies work for the young child with autism.
• The impact of autism on communication, and strategies that enhance communication development in the home and school settings.