Autism the Facts and the Impact of Visual Teaching Methods/ Overview of Sensory Processing and The Promotion of Positive Behaviour

This training event will focus on three areas. Session one will explain what autism is and will examine why children and young people with autism can experience greater difficulties than their neurotypical peers.  This session is the foundation for understanding commonly associated difficulties such as sensory processing, challenging behaviour, anxiety and social communication.  This session will also focus on visual strategies which are widely used when living and working with children and young people with autism.  The use of visual strategies can have a notable impact on how a child or young person with autism experiences home, school and community life and can provide support to the child or young person as they develop effective communication, appropriate social interaction, and positive behaviour skills. Session two will give an overview of sensory processing and examine the sensory processing differences frequently associated with autism and detail how such differences impact on learning, leisure activities and choices, social interactions, and behaviour at home, in school and in the wider community.  Session three will focus on the promotion of positive behaviour and on responding effectively to behaviours of concern.  This session will examine how the core features of autism can influence the behaviour of the child or young person and the importance of ensuring that they have an array of proactive strategies to defuse rather than escalate a demanding situation.

Expected Outcomes:                                                                                            

Participants will have a better understanding of                                               

• The characteristics of autism and of how children and young people with autism think and learn.                                                                 

• Understand the importance of visual teaching methods in autism.

• Develop a basic understanding of some of the sensory processing differences in autism and how those differences can affect the child or young person’s daily experiences.

• Understand how the core features of autism can influence behaviour.

• Learn practical strategies for making positive interventions and reducing potential triggers.

• The impact of anxiety on behaviour.