School Years

Do you teach or support autistic students in your classroom? Are you seeking effective strategies to enhance their participation and inclusion?

This full-day course looks at the unique learning styles and challenges that autistic children experience. It is designed for teachers, support staff, and school leaders who are committed to helping autistic students be successful in their learning in school.

Educators will enhance their understanding of Autism by covering four essential topics.

First, the course looks at how autistic children process information differently. It also looks at how these differences may heighten their experience of anxiety. Next, it addresses communication, focusing on both receptive and expressive skills. It also explores sensory processing differences specific to autistic children. Finally, the course emphasises the importance of routines in helping autistic children become active and engaged members of their school, including how routines support transitions.

Participants will learn how to choose and use strategies and practical supports in their schools. Please see below an outline of the topics that make up this course.

Topic 1: Cognitive Differences

Participants will:

• Broaden their understanding of Autism by learning about the different strengths and preferences that Autistic children have in thinking, socialising and processing information from their surroundings
• Explore some of the challenges that Autistic children may experience in a school setting
• Consider how practical supports and strategies might be implemented to enhance a student’s engagement

Topic 2: Impact of Anxiety on Behaviour and Engagement

Participants will:

• Consider how neurodevelopmental differences can lead to increased anxiety and stress in autistic individuals
• Explore practical strategies to use in the classroom to actively support student well-being

Topic 3: Sensory Processing

Participants will:

• Develop an understanding of sensory processing
• Acknowledge the impact of sensory processing throughout the day
• Consider how sensory processing styles may present within the school setting
• Learn about key strategies for supporting sensory processing

Topic 4: Communication Supports

Participants will:

• Discover why communication supports are not only useful, but often essential for both speaking and non-speaking autistic students.
• Understand the communication preferences of autistic students, and use the knowledge to explore the specific preferences and support needs of an autistic learner in your class
• Explore a range of communication supports for different purposes, including the use of concrete supports for supporting understanding and expression