The National Autistic Society has developed a flexible learning programme to educate teachers working with children with autism in school
The programme is aimed at school staff working with learners with autism spectrum disorders in both teaching and support services. The focus of the course is on identifying and understanding needs relating to the autism spectrum, and ensuring that early action is taken to meet those needs. The course aims to help participants to:
- enhance motivation, confidence and self- esteem and enable children with ASD to make a positive contribution
- eliminate or reduce behaviours that inhibit progress or impair quality of life or health, and remove barriers to participation and learning
- understand the importance of the environment and know ways to enhance concentration/remove distraction
- foster in participants positive expectations and approaches that play to strengths and help children enjoy and achieve
- understand the importance of ‘low arousal’ approaches and how to implement them
- foster personal attributes of calmness, predictability and good humour, empathy and an analytical disposition
- develop an evidence base for effective practice.
The course is available as a flexible programme. Schools can participate at a number of levels to suit the learning needs of staff and available resources. The programme is available as a one, two, or three-day course or a three-day programme leading to an Advanced Certificate in Autism (accredited at 40 credits at level 1 or 2 by Canterbury Christ Church University).
The programme will usually take place in school, with supporting practical and written assignments. It is intended that participants will complete the programme in one academic year. It will make use of in-school lectures, group discussion and tasking, self-directed learning, video analysis of classroom practice and communication skills, and virtual learning environments.
Further information from National Autistic Society, Training and Consultancy, tel: 0115 911 3363 or online: www.autism.org.uk.