05jun9:00 am3:30 pmExpressive CommunicationSupporting the Needs of Autistic Individuals9:00 am - 3:30 pm Course Venue Location

Cost

$ 330

Course Registration

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Time & Date

05/06/2025 9:00 am - 3:30 pm

Venue

The Autism Training Hub Sydney

Building 21, Suttor Street, Gladesville NSW 2111

Course Description

Autistic individuals with an intellectual delay often present with complex communication difficulties. The use of multi-modal and individualised communication supports are often used to develop and extend their communication abilities across a range of learning. Understanding how individuals with autism learn language and process information is critical in the design and implementation of communication supports, including Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).

During the course, different types of expressive communication systems (including AAC) and/or strategies to develop expressive communication (which may include non-speech and/or speech and language development) will be included. Participants will observe different individualised communication systems within some of the classrooms at Giant Steps.

A planning matrix that supports assessment of communication and AAC will be introduced and used to explore appropriate strategies and/or types of AAC for individuals with autism and an intellectual delay. This course also focuses on exploring some of the potential barriers and relevant strategies to successfully implement a communication system for your client/s or child.

This course is relevant to speech pathologists and students, teachers, support staff, child care educators, and other professionals from health and social services working with individuals with autism and an intellectual delay.

Completing this course will contribute to 7.5 hours of teacher directed professional development 1.1.2, 3.1.2, 3.5.2 from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining Proficient Teacher Accreditation in NSW.

Presenter(s) for this Course

  • Katherine Halter

    Katherine Halter

    Bachelor of Speech and Hearing Sciences (Macquarie University)
    Master of Speech and Language Pathology (Macquarie University)

    Katherine Halter has been a Speech Pathologist at Giant Steps Australia since 2017. She is passionate about supporting people with disability and has experience in providing individualised assessment and intervention for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability including designing a variety of Alternative and Augmentative Communication systems to suit individual communication needs. She has worked alongside teachers to integrate these strategies and supports into teaching and learning experiences.

    Katherine enjoys working in a dynamic team environment with multiple professionals to provide a holistic approach to targeting communication and comprehension. Katherine has a passion for supporting carers and members of the wider community to understand and implement strategies and supports that promote the generalisation of skills across contexts.

  • Rachael Bowen

    Rachael Bowen

    Bachelor Applied Science (Speech Pathology) (University of Sydney)
    Master of Teaching (Primary) (University of New England)

    Rachael Bowen is a Speech Pathologist and teacher who has over 16 years of experience working with young people with autism in educational settings.

    Rachael has a special interest in developing the functional communication needs of young people with autism. Rachael has been working on a number of special interest initiatives including establishing The Autism Hub, an information and resource-sharing platform, and investigating the literacy profiles of minimally verbal children with autism including considerations for practice alongside Griffith University. Disseminating knowledge and practical strategies is a critical part of both of these projects so others working with individuals with autism are able to apply best practice frameworks and strategies that have a solid theoretical basis. Rachael has been involved in delivering professional learning for parents, teachers, and other professionals in a range of settings.

Venue Accessibility

Building

  Ramp or level access

Parking

   Available close by

Toilets

   Available in the building or nearby

Enquiries

The Autism Hub professional learning courses aim to increase participants knowledge and confidence to best support the learning of autistic children and adults.

For enquiries specific to this course please contact autismhub@giantsteps.net.au

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