Autism and Severe Learning Difficulties, Toileting, Sleep and Personal Care

Autism, Toileting and Personal Care for Children and Young People with Severe Learning Difficulties

For individuals who have autism and severe learning difficulties, activities of daily living related to their personal care can be challenging for both them and their families, carers and teachers. This session looks at common problems related to toilet training, hygiene, dressing and grooming, which can affect children and young people with more complex learning needs. It aims to address common behavioural problems, which professionals can be faced with including smearing, eating non-food items, resistance to showering, hair and teeth brushing, and personal care as young people reach adolescence. Discussion of how to put together personal care plans will be provided also.

Expected Outcomes
Participants will:
• Understand the range of common problems relating to toileting and personal care for individuals with autism and severe learning difficulties.
• Take away ideas for how to teach personal care strategies and promote increasing independence.
• Gain ideas for tackling some of the more difficult behaviours, which affect a student’s toileting and personal care routines.
• Overview of writing personal care support plans.

Course Overview / Content Overview:
• What do we mean by personal care, and why is it important to teach?
• What are some of the common difficulties faced by individuals who have autism and severe learning difficulties in relation to their personal care?
• How can we teach these skills, and promote increasing independence?
• What to do if a pupil exhibits challenging behaviours related to personal care.
• Writing personal care support plans.