Module 1 - Defining ASD

• What is Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
• What are the differences between Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorder ?
• What are the three different conditions within ASD – ‘Triad of Impairments’?
• What difficulties are there with social interaction, communication and imagination?
• How do these affect learning ?
• What are the genetic or environmental causes of ASD?
• What are the Myths?

Module 2 - Explaining ASD Behaviours

• What anxieties/phobias/dislikes are experienced by young people with ASD?
• How to recognise characteristics of ASD through children’s behaviour?
• What is ‘theory of mind’, and how does the lack of it affect young people with ASD?
• How do people with ASD interact with the sensory world?
• What sort of challenging behaviours are there?
• How is diet affected?

Module 3 - Communicating & Talking

• How is receptive language affected?
• How is expressive language affected?
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of speech, language and communication skills?
• What is echolalia?
• What are intentional and pre-intentional communication?
• What are Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) supports?

Module 4 - Assessing & Diagnosing ASD

• How is ASD assessed/diagnosed in Children?
• How is ASD assessed/diagnosed in Adults?
• What criteria are used and how are they interpreted?
• What is a multi-agency assessment?
• What clinical guidelines should assessors be following?
• What gender differences are there?
• What does a diagnostic report look like?
• What do some of the technical terms used in the report actually mean?

Module 5 - Approaching ASD

• What does a ‘person-centred approach’ look like?
• How to plan social inclusion and avoid bullying?
• How to plan to meet individual needs?
• What is ‘best practice’ in supporting ASD
• What is the ‘National Autism Plan for Children (NAPC)’?

Module 6 - Working with ASD

• What are the practical considerations?
• How to create a safe environment?
• What are Visual Strategies?
• What are “social stories” and “comic strip conversations”?
• What aspects of non-verbal communication are there, and what is their role in supporting someone with ASD?
• What is a multisensory approach?
• How to improve organisational skills?
• When in school, how to manage:
  1. Transition between schools?
  2. Transition between lessons?
  3. Transition between activities?
  4. Directed seating plans?
  5. Differentiation?
  6. Non-lesson time?
  7. Entry and egress from the school campus?

Module 7 - Ethical, Legal & Organisational Issues

• What are the mental health issues with ASD?
• What are the consequences of the Autism Act 2009 and implications for practice in England?
• What are the challenges for:
  1. Parent/Family?
  2. Teacher/Teaching Assistant/Careworker?
  3. Local Authority?
  4. School?
  5. Where to find support and helpful resources (websites, videos, support groups)?