Practical solutions for parents, carers, teachers
and other professionals
An in-house workshop with tutor: Angela Austin
Workshop outline:
Current figures estimate that 500,000 families throughout the UK are affected by a child's or adult's diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). But once that diagnosis has been made, many are at a loss as to what this really means for them and their loved ones and what they can do to minimise its effects.
This inspiring workshop with Angela Austin (former Principal of a highly successful specialist school for pupils with autistic spectrum disorder), will give you a greater understanding of ASD, which affects people at differing levels of cognitive functioning with three distinct areas of impairment.
The day provides practical solutions derived from effective ‘hands on’ work that is currently removing the barriers to learning created by ASD. Over time, these proven methods reduce the effects of the disability on relationships, learning and quality of life – both for those affected with the disorder and those around them.
| What you will gain from attending: | |
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A greater understanding of ASD and its salient features across the spectrum |
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Ways to manage behaviours that create barriers to learning and overall progress |
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Strategies which can improve communicative ability |
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Practical ways in which to help sufferers of ASD meet some of their innate human needs |
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The skills needed to create an environment where the effects of the triad of impairment can be decreased. |
| Who should attend? | |
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Psychologists, counsellors, psychotherapists, mental health nurses, psychiatrists, education professionals, including lecturers or teachers in adult or special education, speech and language therapists, GPs, doctors, nurses, OTs, social workers, health visitors or support workers who wish to be more effective in their work with children and adults with ASD |
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Concerned parents and relatives, and anyone who would like to better understand the spectrum of autistic impairment and how best to help the individual |
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Anyone who wishes to improve their communication skills with ASD sufferers |
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Anyone who would like to better understand the human givens approach and how it gives increased organisation and clarity to other known approaches to addressing ASD. |
Workshop programme:
The Workshop Day:
Registration: 8.30am to 9.30am (Tea or coffee before 9.25am)
9.30am – The autistic spectrum demystified
The autistic spectrum: learning to identify the common range of disabilities and how they affect individuals and families. Creating an environment where these pivotal areas can be addressed effectively. How new research on brain functioning, aligned with clear, consistent language and easily transferable psychotherapeutic skills, can help you make a big difference to all those affected by ASD.
11.00am — Refreshment and discussion
11.30am – ASD and the human givens approach
The human givens model provides a structured approach to looking at and providing an effective environment for all human beings. Autism is no exception to this. We explore how clarity about fundamental needs and resources gives coherence to the way we work with ASD. Practise in the ways to apply straightforward techniques in a variety of settings.
1.00pm — Lunch (provided)
2.00pm Creating clear boundaries and a 'no-blame' culture
Making sure people with autism can feel safe and learn to relate to themselves and others in their own way. Autism presents us with so many questions about how human beings work. One of the gifts it gives all of us is that it enables us to really see how and why many behaviours of ‘neuro typicals’ (non-autistic) people are alien to ASD people. It also helps us to understand what does work for us and why.
3.15pm — Refreshment and discussion
3.45pm – The way forward
Participants work in small groups to set up ideas for increasing the effectiveness of their own working environment with people with ASD. They will use the structure of the day to support this. There will be a short plenary session.
4.45pm — Day ends