Understanding Autism – Supporting Autistic Children & Young People – Advanced (zoom)

A Comprehensive Training Course for Carers & Social Care Practitioners

Autism is not a single, fixed condition, it is a vast, multidimensional spectrum of experiences, strengths, and unique neurological processing. Spending every day in a world designed for neurotypical minds can be sensory-overwhelming, socially unpredictable, and deeply exhausting for autistic children and young people.

This comprehensive, highly practical course shifts the perspective from simply "managing behaviour" to learning how to "think and speak autistically". Grounded in evidence-based research and the social model of disability, this training equips carers with the insight, empathy, and practical strategies needed to adapt environments, de-escalate crisis, and build meaningful, life-changing connections.

What You’ll Learn

• Foundations of Autism & The Triad of Impairments: Gain a deep understanding of social communication, interaction, and flexible thinking across the spectrum.
• The Autistic Experience & Monotropism: Step into the autistic perspective to understand sensory processing differences (auditory, visual, tactile) and deep special interests.
• Decoding Triggers, Meltdowns & Shutdowns: Move beyond surface behaviours to learn to identify underlying triggers, recognise early warning signs, and respond with calm, proactive de-escalation.
• Managing Co-Occurring Anxiety: Explore why anxiety is so prevalent in ASC and implement practical regulation tools (movement, visual schedules, and safe spaces).
• Sexuality, Puberty & Relationships: Navigate sensitive conversations around physical changes, social boundaries, LGBTQ+ inclusion, consent, and online safety with clarity and directness.
• Empowerment & Self-Esteem: Counteract negative societal narratives by celebrating individual strengths, presuming competence, and connecting young people to autistic identity.
• Carer Sustainability & Self-Care: Recognise the warning signs of carer burnout and embed practical self-care strategies into daily routines.

Why Choose This Course?

• Deeply Person-Centred & Strengths-Based: Moves away from restrictive "behaviour management" and toward Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) that honours the child’s unique neurology.
• Reframes Communication (The Double Empathy Problem): Built on the landmark research of autistic scholars like Wendy Lawson and Dr. Damian Milton, teaching that empathy and communication are a two-way street.
• Tackles Complex, Real-World Topics: Directly addresses critical areas often left out of generic autism training, such as puberty, sexuality, technology use, and safeguarding against exploitation.
• Actionable, Proactive Tools: Delivers immediate, practical strategies including visual supports, Social Stories™, transition warnings, and sensory adjustments.

Who Should Attend?

• Foster Carers, Kinship Carers & Adoptive Parents supporting children or teenagers diagnosed with ASD/ASC (or displaying autistic traits).
• Residential Childcare Workers & Support Staff seeking practical, low-arousal de-escalation tools and daily routine strategies.
• Social Workers & Family Support Practitioners looking to deepen their advocacy skills for EHCP reviews, health settings, and transition planning into adulthood.
• Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teams & Youth Workers wanting to build truly accessible, neuro-inclusive environments.