Compass

Autism is a complex and often puzzling disorder in which pinning down a set of rules surrounding the teaching of children with ASD is almost impossible to do. Many theories and approaches claim to have the solution to teaching, yet few provide the answers when an autistic child goes against the status quo. What are needed are principles of good practice, not recipes.

This 2-day workshop explores this problem with a principled approach that is based on the understanding of the pedagogy and the psychology of Autism. It shows how theory can influence practice and sets out a cognitive view of the relationship between learning and Autism whilst explaining how the curriculum must be constructed to accommodate that relationship and the individual. The concept of an ‘Autism-friendly’ environment is examined as is the process of how schools and other institutions/ services might be helped to create such an environment. Prof Jordan covers examples of good practice in the most salient areas of the curriculum including:

The Therapeutic Curriculum:

• The role of educators and therapists, and processes for Inclusion to create Autism friendly environments
• Current Interventions and Curriculum issues to consider in the main topic areas

Building social & emotional understanding & skills:

• Teaching ‘meaningful’ behaviour & the role of play

Enabling language and communication across the ability spectrum - Developing Flexibility and problem solving:

• Learning and behaviour
• Principles of a cognitive program and a cognitive teaching approach

Access to the academic curriculum:

• ‘Specialist’ Education vs Inclusion
• Autism friendly environments
• Single vs Eclectic Cirricula
• Secondary School & Transitions

Working together towards adult life

Rita Jordan is Emeritus Professor in Autism Studies at The University of Birmingham. She holds a BSc: Psychology, an MSc: Child Development, an MA: Linguistics, and a PhD in the area of Autism. In 2007 she received an OBE for her services to special needs education. This new workshop will be of relevance to any professional involved with educating people with Autistic Spectrum Disorders and is being offered in response to customer requests following Rita’s Australasian speaking tours in 2010 and 2011. We anticipate this training will be heavily subscribed and would encourage early registration to avoid disappointment.

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