Overview
Of all the different populations of students with special needs, one particular group poses the most significant challenges to special needs teachers –students with autism. Although they are not necessarily the lowest-functioning, autistic students are often the most misunderstood. In general, typical individuals find it hard to relate to autistic individuals because the latter lacks social awareness and skills, making them hard to approach for the uninitiated. Due to the lack of understanding of many teachers, many autistic students are perceived with fear. Thus, they often do not receive the appropriate or corrective guidance/feedback, which can help them to benefit from their learning experience at school.

The purpose of this workshop is to provide a comprehensive overview of the diverse profiles of autism in order to help teachers to understand autistic students. Its primary objective is to debunk the stereotypical conceptions of autism in order to capture the complexity of the nature of autism. 

Who Should Attend?
Teachers and Teaching Assistants.

Programme Objectives

• Understand the diagnostic criteria of Autism.
• Recognise the complexity of Autism and the diverse profiles.
• Examine and reflect on your newfound perspective of Autism.

Training Methodology
Lecture (with slideshow), Small and Large-Group Discussions and Q & A.

Training Resources
PowerPoint Slideshow, Films and Handouts

Course Contents
Duration: 3 hours

• Diagnostic criteria of Autism and Atypical Characteristics in Interactions, Communication, Academic Learning, Sensory Perceptions, and Behaviour.  
• Complexity of Autism – the Autism Spectrum.
• Controversy Surrounding Autism
• Autistic Perspective of Autism: Through their Words, Voices, Films, Photos and Accomplishments