Course Description
The aim of this course is to help parents of children on the spectrum to understand their child’s unique communication and behavioural traits so that they can create a safe and supportive environment at home and at school. This course may also assist other members of the family, teachers and support staff in understanding day-to-day issues around behaviour and communication at home, at school and in social environments.
This course focuses on the profiles of children whose communication and behaviour are difficult to understand and decode. The purpose of this course is to increase parent’s understanding of what autism is and is not, and to provide parents with information and understanding which will help them connect, understand, advocate be informed and proactive in helping their child make the most of their potential.
Curriculum
Lesson One: What Autism Is and What Autism Is Not
This topic covers the basics of what autism is and isn’t. We identify three key areas of difference and provide information about how these present in the two areas of diagnostic criteria identified within the DSM-5. We outline some common challenging behaviours and provide an introduction to the developmental journey.
Lesson Two: Developmental Differences
This topic covers developmental milestones, challenges with keeping pace with peers, gaps in skill sets, early intervention, possible disconnection with peers, and examples of delayed and advanced development.
Lesson Three: Understanding Behaviour as Communication
This topic covers different definitions of communication, types of communication, how emotions are communicated and learning to view behaviour as a form of communication, the common base of avoidant and defiant behaviours and other contributing factors to emotional regulation and communication difficulties. The key message of this topic is about shifting perspectives and looking through the outward behaviour to find the underlying motivation.
Lesson Four: Sensory Differences
This topic covers sensory differences, how we interpret the world and the impact this has on behaviour. Seven sense areas are discussed along with several categories of self-regulatory behaviour responses.
Lesson Five: Cognitive Differences
This topic covers cognitive differences in attention, memory and information processing. We discuss theory of mind and executive function as well as the implications of these differences and ways to leverage individual strengths to improve functional performance.
Lesson Six: Managing Anxiety and Meltdowns
This topic examines how background stress and anxiety can build up over time and eventually cause an overload of the cognitive system. We learn a helpful framework to apply when thinking about meltdowns and other highly emotional outbursts and look at strategies both during and after such incidents.
Lesson Seven: Helping Others Understand Autism
This topic covers the information that it is important to share about autism, using a positive framework, talking about differences, adaptations and support for your child. We also cover some of the reactions to an autism diagnosis and how to prepare for different reactions. We discuss talking to your child about their diagnosis and how to talk to siblings about a diagnosis. Finally we share some helpful and informational multiformat resources.
Lesson Eight: Setting Boundaries For Success
This topic covers different types of boundaries that help us create our self-identity and define our responsibilities. We then continue to look at how understanding boundaries helps us to set expectations and learn expected and unexpected behaviours. Choices and consequences, responsibility and reflection and safe fails are all processes that help children learn important social skills. We conclude by talking about how you can set your child up for success.
Lesson Nine: Advocating For Your Child
This topic covers strategies for sharing information to ensure your child gets the best support from teachers and other professionals. We discuss the role of a student profile and establishing good communication channels. Finally, we provide resources to help you know your rights when it comes to accessibility and inclusion.
Autism 101 For Busy Parents Will Help You...
- Understand your autistic child and adapt to his/her needs. You’ll be able to create a safe, supportive environment for your child to learn and grow.
- Regain family harmony and actually enjoy time with your kids and partner again.
- Have confidence that you’re on the right path and you’re doing everything you can for your child.
- See a path forward and have hope for the future (your child is not ‘lost’, they do have a future).
- Gain a holistic person-centered understanding of autism (i.e. not JUST from one discipline).
- Have access to proven parenting strategies to cope with every day life.
- Learn how to effectively empathise and communicate with your child.
- Have something to look forward to.
- Make the most of your child’s unique strengths.
- Manage anxiety and meltdowns.
- Manage sensory issues. These cause anxiety and stress in everyday situations. Your child may be - sensitive to sound, light, crowds and certain smells. You’ll learn how to cope with this!
- Help your child overcome learning difficulties.
- Remove barriers to socialisation.
- Work with teachers and schools. You’ll be able to let teachers know what your child needs and what adjustments need to be made.