Autism, Learning Style, and Visual Teaching Methods, Autism and Communication, Autism and Understanding Anxiety

Autism, Learning Styles, and Visual Teaching Methods
This training session will provide information on supportive practices in the functional use of visual supports.

The focus of this course is in understanding the learning style, strengths, interests and needs of the autistic child and how these can be facilitated using visuals. This will assist those who support the child in the teaching of life skills, emotional regulation, and daily planning, creating opportunities for communication and independence.

Expected Outcomes

• Understand how the use of visuals can support the thinking and learning style of autistic child.
• Understand how the use of visuals can be generalised across all environments and can build on the learning experience in school, home, and the wider community.
• Learn how to develop visual supports in a practical manner to maximise the child’s strengths and provide support if necessary.
• How to develop visuals and implement supportive visual practice

Autism and Communication.
This training opportunity explores the differences between non-autistic and autistic communication styles. It equips participants with the knowledge needed to recognise and respect communication differences, as well as adjust their own communication approach to effectively assist autistic children in both home and school settings.

Participants will:

• Explore current relevant theories pertaining to communication differences
• Consider their own communication tendencies and how these can either help or hinder autistic individuals in their communication
• Explore various supportive practices to enhance both the understanding and expression of communication in a supportive manner.

This session explores the differences in non-autistic vs autistic communication styles. It provides delegates with an understanding of how to appreciate communication differences and adapt their communication style to better support autistic children and young people at home and school.

Delegates will:

• Explore current relevant theories related to communication differences
• Develop an understanding of their own communication preferences and how these might hinder or support the autistic communicator
• Explore a range of supportive practices in receptive, understanding, and expressive communication

Autism and Understanding Anxiety
This training course will help parents and education professionals understand the stresses autistic children and young people may experience, particularly within the Primary School environment.  We will discuss the external environmental demands and stress experienced by many autistic children which can contribute to anxiety experiences.

Participants will understand:

• The relationship between autism and anxiety, and how anxiety affects our body and mind.
• Fatigue and masking in relation to anxiety from an autistic point of view.
• How environmental, communication, sensory, emotional, and cognitive stresses can be supported to reduce anxiety experience within the school environment.
• During the course, we will explore a range of supports and resources which can be used to support an autistic child.