Course Content

The Autism Perspective

An online self-directed comprehensive introduction to teaching children in a special classroom for Autism.

We introduce the Autism perspective and consider how to create a structured, safe and happy classroom environment that celebrates neurodiversity and meets the needs of every student.  

Module 1: Introducing Autism

  • Learn about autism and the diagnostic criteria used.
  • Identify and understand the characteristics of autism and their implications for teaching and learning.
  • Explore a range of teaching and learning methodologies and strategies.


Module 2: The Teaching and Learning Environment

  • Learn to create a structured classroom environment.
  • Promote student engagement through effective classroom management practices.
  • Identify and support Sensory Processing issues
  • Examine strategies to minimise their impact on student engagement and wellbeing.


Module 3: Social Communication and Social Skills

  • Explore the concept of social communication.
  • Discuss the development of play and links to language development.
  • Consider the role of the teacher in developing social communication and social skills.  
  • Reflect on inclusion within the wider school context.


Module 4: Reframing Challenging Behaviour

  • Review key characteristics and challenges that may impact on behaviour.
  • Reflect on neuro-biological processes and the Autism Perspective
  • Examine strategies to support wellbeing and regulation.
  • Recognising the functions of behaviour and how to support students.
  • Managing the challenge



Module 5: Assessment and Planning

  • Explore assessment in the special class and examine a range of Autism-specific assessments,
  • Consider effective long and short -term planning for the group and the individual.
  • Explore digital learning tools and Apps to support literacy and numeracy.

 

 

Instructor(s)

Education Consultant Marie Byrne

Marie is a highly qualified tutor with a wealth of experience working with, living with and loving Autistic people. From 2008 - 2019 she was seconded to the SESS ( then NCSE) as an Autism Advisor where she delivered specialised and individualised training and onsite support to teachers. principals and schools as they established Special classes in their schools. When her secondment ended in 2019 she returned to her first love of working directly with young children with Autism. and established her successful consultancy business to continue to offer training and supports to schools , and also to parents. Qualifications Marie holds undergraduate degrees in teaching and in psychology. She completed a number of postgraduate studies in Autism, Special Educational Needs , PlayTherapy and Child Development. She holds two Masters level Qualifications M.Ed in Equality and Diversity focussing on inclusion of all children in schools, especially those who pose a challenge to the existing system MA in Humansitic and Integrative Psychotherapy and Playtherapy : her thesis focussed on the importance of relationship building play in developing social communication skills in young children with Autism . She has presented a training course for parents based on the model of intervention she developed during her MA.