Learn to be sensitive and knowledgeable about a delicate condition with today’s deal… We’re offering you an autism awareness course for just £24, saving you 84% off Centre of Excellence’s price of £147 (correct as of 7.5.16). Developed by one of the leading authorities on autism, this is a course that teaches you everything you need to know about the condition. Whether you’re living intimately with it or would like to get involved with helping those who have it, it takes you from a place of naivety and teaches you the best techniques and methods. From recognising autism to treatments, interventions and strategies, how to make reasonable adjustments, and both gender and age differences with the condition, it offers legitimate ways for you to communicate and understand autism no matter the situation. You’ll be learning through a combination of quizzes, written questions and short essays from the comfort of your own home. You'll get 'unlimited' access, 24/7 tutor support and a certificate upon completion, so why not start helping those who suffer to feel included and not left out… Modules Module 1: What is Autism?

Definition of autism

Asperger’s syndrome

Gender differences

Early intervention

Age at diagnosis

A “spectrum” disorder

Likelihood of intellectual impairment in autism

Disabilities which increase autism risk

Co-morbidities

The triad of impairments

Increasing prevalence of autism

History of autism: Leo Kanner, Hans Asperger, Lorna Wing, Asperger’s syndrome, the Camberwell study, the apparent autism epidemic, autism and vaccinations, autism parents

Module 2: Getting Started

The triad of impairment

Communication

Interaction

Imagination

Communication impairments

Common receptive speech difficulties

Double meanings

Idiomatic speech

Idiomatic speech

Similar sounding words

Humour

Common expressive speech difficulties

Poor speech skills

Echolalia

Speaking for too long

Long replies

Incomplete sentences

Single word use to cover several meanings

Tone of voice and vocal modulation

Non-spoken communication

People with ASD can be sociable

Social interaction impairments, such as: eye contact, facial expressions, touch, unresponsive, as if in a world of their, pulling or tugging, staring, withdrawal, poor empathy, turn-taking, single focus on a special, inability to form relationships or friendships, impairment of imagination

Play

Literal thinking

Theory of mind

Inability to lie

Autism and emotions

Social skills, isolation and bullying

Adults with autism

Neurodiversity

“Different, not less”

High-Achievers with Autism

Autism – a disorder, a difference, a condition or a disability?

Module 3: Autism Symptoms

Sensory issues

Processing information from our senses

Sensory overload

Filtering

Sensory avoiders

Sensory seekers

Signs of sensory avoidance

Signs of sensory seekers

Sensory issues often judged as poor behaviour

Food issues – sensory avoiders

Food issues – sensory seekers

Repetitive behaviours and obsessions

Obsessions or intense interests

Anxieties

Routines and rituals

Meltdowns, anger and aggression

Meltdowns and tantrums – are they the same?

Meltdown triggers

Difference between tantrums and meltdowns

Tantrums

Why they happen

What they look like

Tantrums as power struggle

Retention of self-control

The purpose of a tantrum

Retention of self-awareness

Tantrums – a natural part of growing up

Meltdowns – anger and aggression

Absence of self-control and self-awareness

Triggers

Theory of mind

Sensory triggers

Medical cause

The frightening intensity of meltdowns

Characteristics of a meltdown

Meltdown calming strategies

Meltdown prevention

Impact of meltdowns on the rest of the family

Why conventional parenting strategies and sanctions don’t work

Behaviour as communication

Social stigma

Module 4: Diagnosing Autism

Age of diagnosis

Pre-school developmental screening

GP referral

Diagnosis in school age children

National plan for autism in children

The diagnostic assessment process

Diagnostic report

Second opinions

Private assessments

Diagnosis procedures for adults

Module 5: Gender Differences in Autism

Autism boy to girl ratio

Higher proportion of autistic girls with severe learning disabilities. Why?

Some of the theories

Female genetic protection

Under diagnosis in girls

Different social-skills

Girls obsessions are less likely to be recognised as such

Imagination

Alternative diagnoses are more likely

Mimicry and modelling

Communication skills

Female friendship patterns in primary school

Taken under the wing of a nurturing friendship group

Developing a one-on-one friendship with a more vulnerable or younger child

Repetitive behaviours

Disruptive behaviours

More common female behavioural symptoms

Perfectionism

Controlling patterns in playing with others

Demand avoidance

Eating disorders

Factual and information based communication

Male-centric bias of diagnostic tools

ASD girls and high school

Changing friendship dynamics

Less nurturing environment

Disinterest in fashion and cosmetics

Autistic difference more noticeable in older age group

Later diagnosis in girls

Misdiagnosis in girls

Male/female vocal tone differences

Selective mutism

Module 6: Autism Treatments, Therapies, Interventions and Strategies

Different approaches

Therapies

Intensive programmes

TEACCH (Treatment & Education of Autistic & Communication-Handicapped Children)

ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis)

The spell framework

(Structure, Positive {approaches & Expectations} Empathy, Low Arousal, Links)

Structure

Positive (approaches and expectations)

Empathy

Low arousa

Early bird programme for parents

Portage

Speech and language therapy

Occupational therapy

Psychological therapy

Music therapy

Medication

Epilepsy

Sleep disturbances

ADHD

Depression

Severe and aggressive challenging behaviour

Specific non therapeutic interventions and strategies

PECS – Picture Exchange Communication System

Social skills groups

Visual timetables

Timers

Social stories

Sensory stories

Sensory rooms

Early intervention

Module 7: Making Reasonable Adjustments

Changes to the way things are done

Changes to a physical feature of the premises

The provision of extra services or equipment

In what circumstances do reasonable adjustments have to be made?

How to decide whether reasonable adjustments should be made?

How to decide what types of reasonable adjustments can be offered

Examples of reasonable adjustments within schools

Examples of reasonable adjustments within the workplace

Module 8: Suppliers

Adults with autism

Undiagnosed adults

Misdiagnosed adults

Autism advocacy

Neurodiversity

What is “normal”?

Neuro-typical

Employment

Common adult autism symptoms: Relationships and friendships, sensory processing disorders, stimming or repetitive behaviours, inability to empathise easily, shared jokes and humour, reading body language of others, eye contact, structure and routine, sleep issues, single focus topics, anxiety

Diagnosis in adulthood

Care and support available to ASD adults

Module 9: Inclusion

What does inclusion mean?

Is inclusion solely an education issue?

Base units

Inclusion in non-education environments

The medical and social models of disability

The medical model

The social model

How thinking differs between the two models

Where are we now?

What next?

How the medical and social models of disability impact on autism

What inclusion is NOT

What great inclusion can look like

Achieving universal inclusion

Inclusion in the workplace

10 strengths that people with autism add to society