Autism and Severe Learning Difficulties, Communication and Motivation

Autism, Complex Behaviours and Sensory Processing

Research has shown that people with autism may experience difficulties with processing the sensory stimuli in the world around them. Where a child or young person presents with additional severe learning difficulties, these difficulties may be further exacerbated. This course is designed to look specifically at the sensory processing needs of individuals who have autism and other complex learning needs (such as communication difficulties, physical or sensory impairment, attention difficulties and medical needs).

This session will examine how the core features of autism and severe learning difficulties can influence the behaviour of students and young people. Finding the function of challenging behaviour will be highlighted as well as strategies for providing alternative, appropriate behavioural interventions. A guide to writing effective behaviour support plans will also be discussed.

Expected Outcomes
Participants will:
• Understand how the core features of autism can influence behaviour.
• Gain an understanding of the concept of sensory processing and how this relates to behaviour. 
• Gain practical ideas for remediating difficulties relating to sensory processing, including problematic behaviours, which stem from sensory seeking or avoiding.
• Understand the importance of identifying the function of a behaviour.
• Gain strategies for safely managing challenging behaviours in educational contexts, and for providing alternative, more appropriate behaviours, which may serve the same function.
• Gain an understanding of the core elements of an effective behaviour support plan.

Course Overview / Content 
Overview:
• What is sensory processing?
• Core features of autism and severe learning difficulties (including comorbid diagnoses/conditions).
• How can difficulties with sensory processing present for children with autism and severe learning difficulties?
• What strategies can we implement which may help?
• How these core features can affect behaviour.
• Deciphering the functions of behaviour in the home.
• Strategies for management.
• Writing a behaviour support plan.