Autism Course

Autism & Aspergers ASD Courses Syllabus

Course Contents

Module 1 - Welcome

  • 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)?