Training For Families

There are many areas in autism that cause difficulties within the family and at school. Problems will be different within each child, each school and family group.

The trainer and family members will discuss the areas that cause difficulties. Training and support will be tailored to meet the needs of the autistic child and the individuals within the family group.

Staff from the child’s place of education can also be involved. This could be beneficial as this would ensure consistency of approach in all areas of the child’s life.

Introduction to Autism

This provides insight into difficulties experienced by children with autism and how those difficulties impact on the child and those around him; how they manifest in a range of situations; how children with autism learn and how to support them in different environments.  

The Importance of the Visual Environment

• Communication and the Visual Environment – how to set up an effective and supportive environment in the home that can be made, easily accessed and alleviate stress.
• Augmented Communication/Visual Communication - use of signing, Makaton and PECS etc to support development of language, understanding and communication.
• Making & Using Visual Resources – how to create simple visual resources designed round the interests of the child and needs of the parents/family
• Teaching the Visual Learner

Autism Specific Learning

Connective Education – Children with autism do not generalise their learning. This training shows you how to help them make their learning make sense through shared activities in the home. 

PSHE and the Autistic Child – helping your child understand his/her development and how that will impact on them; eating issues; how to be appropriate, how to be responsible for themselves and what they do etc.

Learning Life Skills - how to support your child in learning to become independent in areas such as social understanding and basic life skills.

Physical Activity

The benefits of aerobic exercise, Sherborne Developmental Movement, ‘Brain Gym’, Yoga and Relaxation in the development of the brain and how children learn.

Introduction to the work and benefits of Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA)

Effective Behaviour Management

• Promoting Good Behaviour and What Works – training in using a consistent and positive approach in providing clear and realistic rules, structures and boundaries – and maintaining them come what may.
• Ways of Being – how to be effective when interacting with your child.
  The importance of ‘No Blame’, making choices that work and supporting the child in managing his/her behaviour.