Autism Theory and Practical Skills Training
In a sentence:
In this training Chloe provides a theoretical understanding about Autistic experience and practical knowledge about how to best support Autistic people in whatever capacity you come into contact with them.
This training teaches you the basics of what Autistic experience is, from Autistic trainers with lived experience. You will learn about appropriate language to talk to and about Autistic people, and together we will combat myths and misconceptions about what autism is, and what it is not, relying heavily on both up-to-date research and our work with Autistic students on a daily basis, as well as our own personal experiences. You will not only learn about Autistic experience, but we will discuss the practical things you can do to support Autistic people to thrive.
Below is the possible layout for this training, which is split into two sessions:
- Theoretical understanding about Autistic experience:
Autism Spectrum DisorderAutistic experience - Practical knowledge about how to best support Autistic people: Putting Autistic Theory into Practice
1. Autism Spectrum Disorder Autistic experience
In a sentence:
Autism Spectrum Disorder Autistic experience: A critical perspective: What is autism & what it is not; what psychology is catching up with; why autism is not a disorder but a neurodivergence.
In this workshop Dr Chloe Farahar demonstrates a critical perspective on what is presently called Autism Spectrum “Disorder”, and helps provide practical advice on how to approach and support neuro-divergent students.
Please note that this workshop contains real-life narratives about being Autistic.
Workshop overview:
- What is autism – what it is not (myths and misconceptions)
- What psychology is catching up with
- Why autism is not a disorder
(more detailed layout):
- What is autism – what it is not (myths and misconceptions)
- Autistic strengths
- Mind your language
- What psychology is catching up with:
- Autism is more than an “extreme male brain”
- Autistic people are also:
- Men, women, non-binary, trans, queer people who do not experience autism as an “extreme male brain” – external vs. internal phenotype/expression
- Why autism is not a disorder
- How different psychological disciplines can approach a phenomenon differently (theoretically, methodologically etc.)
- Why humanity is neuro-diverse
2. Putting Autistic Theory into Practice
In a sentence:
In this session Dr Chloe Farahar explains Autistic differences, difficulties, and experiences that may need practical accommodation, and suggests how you might provide them.
Session overview:
- Example Autistic experiences you may or may not be aware of
- Practical skills you can use to help Autistic people manage difficult experiences
- How these difficulties are not inherently due to being neuro-divergent, but due to a difference in needs and experience of the environment
(more detailed layout):
- Example Autistic experiences you may or may not be aware of
- Different learning styles, experiences, and strategies to help/manage
- Practical skills you can use to help Autistic people manage difficult experiences
- Executive functioning issues/differences
- Autistic inertia/flow states
- Perfectionism and imposter syndrome
- Specificity, vagueness, ambiguity – bluntness, to the point
- Networking – urghhh!
- Masking, camouflaging, mimicking –> burnout, shutdown
- Sensory and social overwhelm –> overload, meltdown
- How these difficulties are not inherently due to being neuro-divergent, but due to a difference in needs and the environment
Each individual workshop suits a two-hour (or more) timeframe to incorporate interaction, reflection, and discussion.
Attendees: There are no limits as to the number who can attend, and workshops have been delivered to both small (e.g. 10) and large groups (80+). Workshops are appropriate for all age groups and backgrounds (upwards of age 14 years+, and 10 years+ for the neurodiversity day event), and have been carried out with: teenage school children; foundation degree students; degree students; charitable organisation staff/volunteers; Metropolitan Police personnel; support and well-being staff etc.
Fees:
Online training: Training sessions are £130 per hour, per trainer for online training, plus £100 for a recording of the session hosted privately by Aucademy for attendee personal use.
In-person training: Training sessions are £160 per hour, per trainer, plus travel for in-person training (plus food if whole day/s wanted), plus £100 for a videographer to attend and provide a recording of the session hosted privately by Aucademy for attendee personal use. A booking of four hours minimum is required for in-person training. Please confirm in-person training with us before using our booking system.
If you are a charitable organisation with limited funds still get in touch and we can see what we can do – we never want to price out organisations wanting to improve their understanding of Autistic experience.