Who is this module for?
This module is for anyone working in an Early Years environment. This module is suitable for a range of workers, including, for example: nursery managers, teachers, Early Years practitioners, play group assistants, nursery assistants, child care workers, office staff and lunch time staff.
Description
This module is an awareness-raising module that introduces autism and the areas of difference, which can include: Social Understanding and Communication, Flexibility, Information Processing and Understanding and Sensory Processing and Integration, among other things. We explore areas of difference in terms of strengths and support needs and identify some initial reasonable adjustments that need to be considered when supporting autistic pupils, including the creation and use of a OnePage Profile.
The aims
The aims of Making sense of autism in the Early Years are:
- Extend delegates’ understanding of how autism affects pupils in the Early Years
- Increase delegates’ expertise in recognising an autistic child’s individual strengths and differences
- Develop delegates’ skills in identifying barriers to learning for autistic children
- Develop delegates’ understanding of what reasonable adjustments need to be made to support an autistic child in their setting
Learning objectives
After completing ‘Making Sense of Autism in the Early Years', you will be able to:
- Approach autism as a difference rather than as a deficit or disorder
- Recognise the three areas of difference for autistic children and the importance of identifying strengths and differences.
- Listen to and learn from the perspectives of autistic children and their parents/carers
- Reflect on their professional practice and implement reasonable adjustments to support autistic children.
Session length
This training module is designed to be used flexibly, with trainers using the time available in the way that best suits their audience.We have provided a training module and materials that can be covered in a 90-minute session using the core slides but there is more content available for the trainer to adapt and use in an extended session.
This is a raising awareness module for anyone working in early years settings. This includes teaching and support staff, office and ancillary staff, caterers, caretakers, transport staff and governors.
What will you learn?
- Enhance your understanding and awareness of autism and how autism can affect children in early years settings
- Know the importance of understanding the individual child and their profile of strengths and needs
- Identify potential barriers to learning for autistic children
- Begin to make reasonable adjustments in the way you support autistic children
- Reflect on the information you need to collect for creating a one-page profile