There is a great need for further understanding of autism. A recent study by the National Autistic Society (NAS) showed that while the vast majority of people have heard of autism, very few show a detailed understanding of it. One of the reasons that autism is sometimes misunderstood is that the overall expression of the characteristics of autism, in all its forms, can differ considerably. Children diagnosed with autism, even if they are the same age, may look very different from each other in the manifestation of behaviours.
This course, aimed at individuals with a close relationship to those who encounter different manifestations of autism, is a practical guide to recognising, identifying and responding to this spectrum of behaviours.
Real life case studies, filmed and written, allow course participants to observe and learn to interpret behaviour as well as formulate suggestions for interventions with the ultimate goal of reducing challenges through lessening disruptive behaviour and nurturing a degree of independence.
This course has been designed in conjunction with our alternative Autism Spectrum: Directions for Education Professionals course. Both of the courses cover the same concepts and principles surrounding the autism spectrum, and students should only study this course once.
Who is the course for?
Though open to anyone, this short course is ideally suited to individuals with a close relationship to those diagnosed with autism who would like to improve their ability to recognise, identify and respond to autistic behaviour. In particular, this course would be suited to:
- Parents of children with diagnosed autism
- Family members of those diagnosed with autism
- Guardians of those diagnosed with autism
- Childminders responsible for those diagnosed with autism
This professional development course will provide you with:
- Case studies and knowledge to help you observe behaviours associated with the autism spectrum
- Examples of a spectrum of behaviours associated with autism and possible strategies to help you identify the support needs of people on the autism spectrum
- A fundamental introduction to the different ways autism displays, allowing you to understand knowledge and enable you to respond to the changing support needs of people on the autism spectrum throughout their lives
You will study this course 100% online. It comprises a range of activities including:
- Engaging in case studies showcasing behaviours on the autism spectrum
- Viewing a variety of exemplary intervention strategies
- Using 5 behavioural themes that you can apply to identify challenging behaviours
- Creating awareness of how other conditions impact on how autism displays in behaviour
- Establishing the wider network of support and training available to you
There is no obligation for you to undertake every activity, but being involved in all aspects of the course will help you to achieve the learning objectives that have been outlined in the course.
There is no graded assessment. Instead, you will receive a badge for each completed Unit, and then upon completion of the whole course, you will be awarded with an e-certificate.
An accredited provider of the CPD Standards Office
We are proud to be an accredited provider of the CPD Standards Office for our online short courses and free courses, demonstrating that they conform to CPD best practice and are appropriate for inclusion in a formal CPD record.
Course units
The course is made up of 5 units, each will require approximately 3 hours of study.
Unit content is guided by professionally recognised theory and evidence:
Unit 1 - What really is Autism and Asperger’s?
This unit provides an overview of what autism really is. You will begin to explore the wide array of behaviours associated with autism and start to recognise these behaviours. As part of the course activity you will reflect on the individuality of autism and describe how you define autism through your ePortfolio.
Unit 2 – Comorbidity – Considerations for Interventions
Building on the areas explore in Unit 1, Unit 2 looks at autism in combination with other diagnoses: comorbidity. You will explore 5 behavioural themes with a specific focus on the communication theme. Using case studies you will add new perspectives and diversity to the definition of autism and how we can interact with it.
Unit 3 – The Individual with Autism – Tailored Intervention Strategies
During the third unit you will focus on the individual with autism regarding their internal and external context, considering factors such as age groups, gender and socio-economic factors. Professor Simon Bignell will discuss the impact these factors have on potential interventions.
By the end of this course, you should be able to:
- recognise the experiences of people on the autism spectrum
- You will be able to identify the support needs of children and adults with autism, who are in your care
- You will be able to respond to the changing support needs of people in your care, on the autism spectrum throughout their lives
A flexible course that fits in with working and family life
This student led course runs throughout the year and is delivered 100% online, allowing you to flexibly manage your studies around work and family commitments. The course content is interactive through online activities and exercises along with self-reflection to assess subject understanding. Our online short courses are designed to be intellectually stimulating, thought provoking and rewarding.
The course is widely available for anyone to take part in regardless of age, location or education status.
However, there are some basic requirements. You will need access to the internet whether it is on your PC, tablet, mobile or other electronic devices, as well as a valid email address to register with our online learning environment in order to take part in the course.
You will need to agree to the terms and conditions before you start the course which will be available when you enrol.
Learners should have an understanding of the English Language and the ability to study in English.
How to enrol
All of our short courses are delivered through an easy-to-use online learning platform, which you can enrol from directly.
If you want to find out more about studying a short course, please contact us and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
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