Working and caring for people with autism
Imagine not being able to see the world as others do, not being able to make sense of social situations, feeling different but not knowing why. This is how a child with autism feels.
Working and caring for children and young people with autism is about understanding their behaviour and how they perceive the world. Training to become an autistic carer can help you deal with the challenges of an autistic child, both as a parent and an Early Years Practitioner.
What is autism?
Autistic symptoms in children
- An inability to communicate with others
- Difficulty with social interaction
- Problems with imaginative play and thoughts
Early signs of autism often show between 12-18 months, with a delay in speaking being a first sign. Others:
- Lack of or inconsistent use of eye contact
- Lack of social smile, imitation, response to name
- Lack of interest in others
- Lack of emotional expression
- Few directed vocalisations
- Absence of joint attention skills (pointing to “show,” following a point, monitoring others’ gaze, and referencing objects or events).
- Few requesting behaviours
- Few social gestures (such as waving, clapping, nodding, and shaking head)
- Pretend play is also reduced in many children
Source: www.patient.co.uk
The realities of autism
Children with autism often find it hard to relate to the people around them, including family and friends. They find it hard to interact socially and are sometimes viewed as badly behaved. The truth is autistic children don´t understand the world around them and how it works. They find it hard to fit in and feel they don´t belong.
How can we help autistic children?
Children with autism need kindness, patience and respect for their condition. Taking a training course in autism is an invaluable way to learn the range of skills needed to help an autistic child.
At Stonebridge we offer 2 online autism courses:
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Autism Awareness – gives an appreciation of autism and provides training in how to include a child with autism in day to day situations
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Autism Awareness Advanced – builds on the autism awareness training course and gives a deeper understanding of autism and the main methods for working with a child with autism
What will I learn on an autism training course?
- Developing social skills
- Language development
- Typical behaviour and characteristics
- Providing structure
- Play
- Communication
- Managing behaviour
Who is autism training for?
- Carers working solely with autistic people
- Teaching assistants wishing to expand their qualifications and experience and work with autistic children
- Parents of an autistic person
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