Supporting clients on the autism spectrum training course

Delivered in partnership with Faiers Training, this in-depth course provides participants with an introduction to understanding the autism spectrum and explores strategies which can help ensure appropriate methods of communication and support.

Course content and learning outcomes

Day 1

Led by Nigel Faiers who holds over 30 years of experience in the care and support sector.

• What is the autism spectrum? Defining autism, its prevalence and what we do and don't know about causes.
• Common autism spectrum disorders and associated conditions. Including Asperger’s syndrome and the relationship with learning disabilities and mental health.
• Terminology for people on the autism spectrum. Discrimination and the importance of avoiding labels.
• From institutions and community care to the Autism Act 2009 and strategy. A brief history of institutionalism and community care where the needs of individuals on the autism spectrum were often not recognised.
• How does autism impact on a person’s life? Including current diagnosis criteria post triad of Impairment and sensory sensitivities.
• Support. Managing risk, assessing the appropriate level of support and identifying the right balance between independent living and duty of care.
• Communication. Understanding the different ways a person with autism may communicate and developing our understanding of communication skills.

Day 2

Led by Richard Maguire, author of ‘I dream in Autism’. An expert by experience who offers a unique insight as someone living with Asperger’s Syndrome and a professional with 30 years’ experience working with clients with Autism and training those who support them.

• Recap on the key features of the autism spectrum. Including the position post-triad of impairment thinking and sensory issues.
• Developing our understanding of the autism spectrum. Including culture of autism, co-existing conditions, dyslexia, ADHD, dyspraxia, agnosias, alexithymia, body disconnectivity, sensory overload and sensory comfort, sensory integration, learning disability and high functioning autism, Asperger’s syndrome, mental health, education, development and employment.
• Support strategies. Including knowing your clients, how to develop strategies, being clear about the key goal for the client ‘How do we attain comfort?’ (Good, free and easy relationships, purpose, hope, self-esteem, physical needs met and good communication.)
• Helping people on the autism spectrum. To find the ‘Comfort’ outlined above given the difference in ‘culture’.
• Discovering the client’s communication style.
• Ensure practice builds on a model that is sensitive to the client’s needs for comfort and peace. Including communication and support where ‘Less can sometimes be more’.

Who should attend?

Frontline staff and managers working with clients with autism spectrum disorder in any setting, including health, care and housing.

Duration

Supporting clients on the autism spectrum is delivered over two days.