Course description:
Many teachers feel that their degree did not prepare them to teach autistic students, yet autism occurs in 1 in 44 eight year old children, so they are highly likely to have at least one autistic child in their classroom. The course starts with understanding the autistic learning profile, including how to adapt teaching styles to accommodate the autistic learning profile. The course will also focus on understanding why autistic students behave the way they do, and struggle to fit in with classroom expectations and peers, and provides vital clues to the best strategies to assist them to adapt to the school environment.
We cover these topics and more:
- The autistic learning profile.
- Managing executive functioning difficulties.
- How autism presents differently in girls.
- How to understand and relate to your autistic student.
- Strategies to prevent and manage meltdowns and shutdowns.
- Including emotions as part of the classroom curriculum.
- Increasing motivation, focus and flexible thinking.
- Friendships and creating an inclusive and safe culture.
- Special interests and their uses in the classroom.
- Sensory issues and accommodations.
Teaching Process: The workshop includes a combination of didactic teaching, participant activities and Q&A. Participants attend via link to a live presentation. They have access to a chat room where they can ask questions at any time. There is opportunity to learn from workshop participants, as well as the trainers.
Learning objectives:
- To be able to adapt classroom learning to suit an autistic learning profile.
- To understand the different ways autism presents in girls, and how to adapt to her needs in the classroom.
- To develop a safe, trusting relationship with your autistic student and their family.
- How to recognise autistic thinking and behaviour, and how to respond.
- Learn how to include emotion education as part of classroom learning and why this is important.
- Learn how to support autistic friendships and create an inclusive classroom and playground culture.
- Understand how to spot peer rejection and bullying, why it occurs and how to support an autistic student who is rejected and/or bullied.
- Learn what motivates autistic students and how to maximise their focus and attention, and increase their flexibility in thinking.
- Learn how to use special interests constructively.
- Understand the different sensory profile of an autistic students and helpful accommodations.
- Know the best resources for teachers.
Who will benefit:
All education professionals including Teachers, Teacher Aides, SENCOs, Learning Support Co-ordinators, School Principals, Counsellors, RTLBs, and administrative staff. Other education and health service providers including Speech Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Physio Therapists, Psychologists, Paediatricians, Mental Health Workers, Support Workers, and Families.
Posted: Monday 14 February 2022