Autism in Practice

Overview

Do you work with autistic adults or need to interact with people with autism in your workplace role? Would you know how to communicate with autistic adults and if you have more specialist responsibilities for assessing and helping with care planning for autistic adults are you familiar with the relevant Autism Act Guidance and updates? If so, “Autism in Practice – Working with Autistic Adults” will be useful for you and/or your team. (includes coverage of DHSC Capabilities framework for supporting autistic people and BASW capabilities statement).

Who is Autism in Practice aimed at?

Direct Care Staff in Health and Social Care + Social Workers (LD, MH, Older Adults) to complement ‘Autism in Practice: Assessing & Care Planning with Autistic Adults

Course Length

1 day

Learning Outcomes

On conclusion of the course, participants will understand:- 

• Basic autism awareness content including respectful terminology, spectrum concept, definitions, key characteristics, prevalence, common co-occurring conditions, changing and developing views of autism including additional characteristics, sensory differences and issues around diagnosis. (SfC Autism Skills and Knowledge list underpinning attitudes and basic awareness criteria)
• The Equality Act requirement for reasonable adjustments and how to meet these when working with autistic adults.
• Practical communication strategies when supporting an autistic person. Includes both highly verbal and less verbal clients, those with and without perceived learning disabilities. Focus is on in depth communication strategies for ongoing relationships (SfC Autism Skills and Knowledge list intermediate criteria)
• How to recognise sensory needs and differences of an autistic person and be able to make appropriate adjustments (SfC Autism Skills and Knowledge list intermediate criteria)
• How autistic people may experience change and transitions and effective approaches to providing support with change, transitions and significant life events (SfC Autism Skills and Knowledge Intermediate level)
• The requirements of the Mental Capacity Act and develop practical strategies to support autistic adults to make their own decisions whenever possible (Mental Capacity Act)
• The barriers autistic people may experience in the community and effective approaches to supporting life skills including independence, social skills and access to employment (SfC Autism Skills and Knowledge Intermediate level)
• How they can support family and friends and recognise their expertise in relation to autistic clients whilst being aware of conflict of interest issues. (SfC Autism Skills and Knowledge Intermediate level)
• The most likely causes of stress and anxiety for autistic clients and be able to support autistic clients to manage stress and anxiety (SfC Autism Skills and Knowledge Intermediate level)
• The likelihood of co-occuring mental health issues and how these may present differently in autistic clients (SfC Autism Skills and Knowledge Intermediate level)
• What other materials can be accessed and where, to find out more information for ownprofessional development