COURSE OVERVIEW:
This course is designed to equip educators with the knowledge and strategies necessary to effectively support students on the autism spectrum in the classroom. Autism Spectrum Disorder is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects individuals differently, impacting social interaction, communication, and behaviour.
In this course, we will begin by gaining a solid understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder, offering a definition and overview to establish a foundational understanding. Participants will learn about the various types and characteristics of ASD, as well as the neurodevelopmental basis underlying this disorder.
Identifying ASD is crucial for early intervention, and this course will delve into the signs and symptoms of ASD, equipping educators with the knowledge to recognise and support students with ASD in the classroom. Co-occurring conditions and comorbidities will also be explored, providing insights into the complex nature of ASD and its potential impact on learning and development.
Assessment and diagnosis of ASD in children will be thoroughly discussed, along with strategies for differentiating ASD from other developmental disorders. Participants will learn practical approaches for supporting children with ASD in the classroom, including creating autism-friendly learning environments and implementing structured teaching and visual supports.
Individualised education plans (IEPs) and behaviour support plans (BSPs) will be highlighted as essential tools for tailoring instruction and support to meet the unique needs of children with ASD. Collaboration with parents and healthcare professionals will be emphasised as critical for the holistic support of children with ASD.
Sensory integration and regulation strategies, social skills training, and peer interaction will be explored as important components of supporting children with ASD in the classroom. Communication and language development, executive functioning skills development, and emotional regulation techniques will also be addressed to help educators effectively meet the diverse needs of students with ASD.
Finally, participants will learn strategies for promoting inclusion and understanding among peers, fostering an inclusive classroom environment where all students feel valued and supported.
By the end of this course, participants will have gained an in-depth understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder and acquired practical strategies to effectively support children with ASD in their academic and social development.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:
1. Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
· Definition
· Overview
2. Types and Characteristics of ASD
· Autistic Disorder (Classic Autism)
· Asperger Syndrome
· Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS
· Other Specified and Unspecified Autism Spectrum Disorder
· Common Characteristics Across the Spectrum
3. Neurodevelopmental Basis of ASD
· Genetic Factors
· Brain Development and Structure
· Synaptic Dysfunction and Plasticity
· Environmental Influences
· Heterogeneity and Complexity
4. Identifying ASD: Signs and Symptoms
· Social Communication Challenges
· Restricted and Repetitive Behaviours
· Sensory Sensitivities
· Communication Difficulties
· Social-Emotional Differences
· Developmental Differences
· Co-Occurring Conditions
· Individual Variability
· Early Identification and Screening
5. Co-occurring Conditions and Comorbidities
· Intellectual Disability (ID)
· Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
· Anxiety Disorders
· Mood Disorders
· Sensory Processing Difficulties
· Gastrointestinal (GI) Disorders
· Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
· Motor Coordination Difficulties
· Language and Communication Disorders
· Other Medical and Psychiatric Conditions
· Multidisciplinary Assessment and Intervention
6. Impact of ASD on Learning and Development
· Social Communication and Interaction
· Cognitive Functioning and Learning
· Sensory Sensitivities and Regulation
· Executive Functioning and Adaptive Skills
· Behavioural and Emotional Regulation
· Individualised Support and Accommodations
· Strengths-Based Approach
7. Assessment and Diagnosis of ASD in Children
· Developmental History
· Behavioural Observations
· Standardised Assessments
· Developmental and Cognitive Testing
· Speech and Language Assessment
· Medical Evaluation
· Differential Diagnosis
· Collaboration and Consultation
· Cultural and Contextual Considerations
· Diagnostic Formulation and Feedback
· Follow-Up and Monitoring
8. Differentiating ASD from other Developmental Disorders
· Intellectual Disability (ID)
· Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
· Specific Language Impairment (SLI)
· Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
· Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
· Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder
9. Strategies for Supporting Children with ASD in the Classroom
· Establish a Structured and Predictable Routine
· Provide Clear and Concrete Instructions
· Use Visual Supports and Visual Aids
· Foster Social Skills Development
· Implement Sensory-Friendly Strategies
· Offer Individualised Instruction and Support
· Use Positive Behaviour Support Strategies
· Foster Peer Acceptance and Understanding
· Collaborate with Parents and Caregivers
· Provide Professional Development and Training
· Create a Supportive Classroom Environment
10. Creating Autism-Friendly Learning Environments
· Sensory Considerations
· Visual Supports
· Predictability and Routine
· Social Supports
· Individualised Instruction
· Positive Behaviour Support
· Collaboration and Communication
· Culturally Responsive Practices
11. Structured Teaching and Visual Supports
· Structured Teaching
· Physical Structure
· Schedules and Routines
· Visual Supports
· Individualised Supports
· Visual Supports
· Benefits of Structured Teaching and Visual Supports
· Implementation Considerations
12. Individualised Education Plans (IEPs) and Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs)
· Individualised Education Plans (IEPs)
· Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs)
· Significance for Students with ASD
13. Collaboration with Parents and Healthcare Professionals
· Open Communication
· Regular Updates and Progress Reports
· Collaborative Goal-Setting
· Information Sharing and Exchange
· Individualised Planning and Support
· Problem-Solving and Problem-Solving
· Professional Development and Training
· Respect for Diverse Perspectives and Experiences
14. Sensory Integration and Regulation Strategies
· Open Communication
· Family-Centred Approach
· Shared Goal Setting
· Information Sharing and Training
· Collaborative Problem-Solving
· Respect and Empathy
· Team Meetings and Case Conferences
· Continuous Feedback and Reflection
15. Social Skills Training and Peer Interaction
· Social Skills Training
· Peer Interaction Strategies
· Collaboration with Parents and Professionals
16. Communication and Language Development
· Early Intervention
· Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
· Visual Supports
· Structured Communication Opportunities
· Social Skills Training
· Functional Communication Training (FCT)
· Collaboration with Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)
· Parent and Caregiver Involvement
17. Executive Functioning Skills Development
· Explicit Instruction
· Visual Supports
· Executive Functioning Games and Activities
· Self-Regulation Strategies
· Goal Setting and Monitoring
· Environmental Supports
· Social Skills Training
· Collaboration and Support
18. Emotional Regulation Techniques
· Sensory Regulation
· Mindfulness and Relaxation
· Emotional Awareness and Expression
· Cognitive Restructuring
· Social Support and Connection
· Structured Routines and Predictability
· Self-Regulation Strategies
· Positive Reinforcement and Encouragement
19. Promoting Inclusion and Understanding among Peers
· Education and Awareness
· Peer Sensitivity Training
· Inclusive Classroom Practices
· Communication and Socialisation Opportunities
· Positive Reinforcement and Recognition
· Peer Modelling and Acceptance
COURSE DURATION:
The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.
COURSE DELIVERY:
Purchase and download course content.
ASSESSMENT:
A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.
CERTIFICATION:
Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.