Attitudes to autism are undergoing a massive change from where we were just a few years ago. Autism Bedfordshire offer a comprehensive range of specialist workshops suitable for anyone wanting to develop a better understanding of autism, what it means to be autistic, and of strategies to use to support individuals.
Our training has been designed, in line with the Core Capabilities framework for Supporting Autistic People Core Capabilities framework for Supporting Autistic People, to focus on the key outcomes that learners need to achieve, the content to be included, and with the use of appropriate teaching and learning strategies. This includes co-production of training with autistic people and families and carers which has always been part of our training development.
Our trainers have lived experience of autism and continually update their own knowledge and understanding. All our training is written with the input of autistic people and where possible, delivered in partnership with autistic guest speakers.
Delegates can book onto our advertised course programme see ‘Current Training for Practitioners’; organisations may prefer to commission from our range of training courses see ‘Our Courses’, or request bespoke training, to reach more employees simultaneously. If you want to stay updated with the latest training events please join our mailing list here
Our training has reached over 5,000 people to date and since Covid-19 prompted us to offer training online we have been able to reach delegates as far away as New Zealand! We continue to offer a mixed model of online and face to face training to meet demand. Please note that our online workshops are never recorded to respect the privacy and confidentiality of the attendees, and we do not currently offer any webinars as it is important to us to retain interactivity with our audiences.
When you choose training from Autism Bedfordshire, you are guaranteed the very best. You will also have the satisfaction of knowing that any surplus revenue generated from our Training & Consultancy offer will be ploughed directly back into services for autistic individuals.
If you would like to find out more about training for your organisation or discuss any of your training needs, please email training@autismbeds.org
You can see a copy of our current training brochure here
We offer training to everyone – practitioners, parents & carers, services, schools, individuals, businesses, and community groups.
Course prices include electronic handouts and certificates of attendance.
We can design bespoke training courses to suit your needs, if you don’t see what you need below. Some of our bespoke training has included, but is not limited to:
• Offering our half day workshops as two twilight sessions (e.g., for school staff)
• A ‘Train the Trainer’ offer for organisations with shift pattern workers (please ask for details)
• Training adapted for specific service providers (carers/sports coaches/prison officers)
We’re happy to explore new topics upon request – we love a challenge!
An introductory course designed to provide a basic understanding of autism spectrum conditions, suitable for anyone who may encounter autistic adults.
Delegates will explore:
Course Length: Half day
Number of delegates: A maximum of 12
Pre-requisites: None
Cost: £500 or £50 per place if booked through our rolling programme
This tier 2 course is designed for practitioners working in a school environment who work with autistic children of all ages: particularly useful for SEN Coordinators, class teachers and other professionals directly supporting autistic children in the classroom.
To explore:
• the main differences experienced by autistic children – and some of their strengths
• practical strategies that all staff can implement to support autistic children
• knowledge to cascade to colleagues to ensure your school is/remains an autism-friendly setting
Course Length: 2 half days
Number of delegates: A maximum of 15
Pre-requisites: Basic autism knowledge or practical experience
Cost: For both parts, a total of £1,000 or £100 on a pay per place basis if booked through our rolling training programme (both parts must be attended to gain a certificate of attendance)
A tier 2 workshop providing information about the underpinning causes of differing behaviours in autistic individuals of all ages and how they may best be supported.
To explore:
• the differences autistic individuals may experience in regulating behaviours
• how to adapt environments & practices to meet the needs of autistic children and adults
• some possible ways to support during difficult situations
Course Length: Half day
Number of delegates: A maximum of 15
Cost: £500 or £50 on a pay per place basis if booked through our rolling training programme
A tier 2 workshop looking into communication differences that may be experienced by some autistic individuals and how to meet their needs.
To explore:
• what we mean by communication
• how and why autistic communication may differ from non-autistic communication
• some possible ways to support autistic individuals with communication
Course Length: Half day
Number of delegates: A maximum of 15
Cost: £500 or £50 on a pay per place basis if booked through our rolling training programme
A practical tier 2 workshop providing the opportunity to learn and develop skills to communicate with autistic people of all ages more effectively, using social stories. Including the opportunity to compose a social story of your own.
To explore:
• the differences we all experience in perspective taking and social understanding – due to different ways of thinking and processing information
• the original theory behind the concept of social stories in addressing these differences and how they might still be useful
• writing your own social story based on a situation of your own experience
Course Length: Half day
Number of delegates: A maximum of 15
Cost: £500 or £50 on a pay per place basis if booked through our rolling training programme
A tier 2 workshop to understand the complicated relationship autistic individuals may have with food and eating, due to both sensory processing and thinking differences.
To explore
• the impact of autism on the way autistic individuals experience food and eating
• sensory processing differences and how these specifically relate to eating challenges
• anxiety and its impact on autistic individuals (including demand avoidance)
• some resources and strategies that may be helpful to support autistic individuals with eating challenges
Course Length: Half day
Number of delegates: A maximum of 15
Cost: £500 or £50 on a pay per place basis if booked through our rolling training programme
A tier 2 workshop to increase understanding of the demand avoidant presentation of autism, with advice on how to support those with this challenge.
To explore:
• what is meant by ‘demand avoidance’ in relation to autism and the controversy over the ‘PDA’ diagnosis
• the role of anxiety in creating demand avoidant behaviour
• how to work collaboratively with children and young people to minimise demand avoidant behaviour
Course Length: Half day
Number of delegates: A maximum of 15
Cost: £500 or £50 on a pay per place basis if booked through our rolling training programme
A tier 2 workshop explaining the relationship between autism and sensory processing differences, in autistic people of all ages.
To explore:
• the impact of sensory processing differences on the lives of autistic individuals
• resources and strategies to support health and wellbeing due to sensory challenges
• when to ask for professional input
Course Length: Half day
Number of delegates: A maximum of 15
Cost: £500 or £50 on a pay per place basis if booked through our rolling training programme
A tier 2 workshop providing an understanding of how autism may present in a more internalised way in females (and some males!)
To explore:
• the way autism may present more subtly in females and why this may delay diagnosis
• how to adapt environments and practices to meet the specific needs of autistic females
• resources and strategies for supporting autistic females
Course Length: Half day
Number of delegates: A maximum of 15
Cost: £500 or £50 on a pay per place basis if booked through our rolling training programme
A tier 2 workshop explaining the impact of poor mental health on autistic individuals, particularly useful for practitioners working with autistic individuals who have co-existing mental health conditions and/or dual diagnoses.
To explore:
• an overview of co-existing mental health and some neurological conditions commonly experienced by autistic people and how these affect their individual needs
• how to proactively adapt environments and practices to prevent needs escalating
• resources and strategies for supporting individuals
Course Length: Half day
Number of delegates: A maximum of 15
Cost: £500 or £50 on a pay per place basis if booked through our rolling training programme
This tier 2 course is designed to develop skills, knowledge, and strategies for supporting autistic adults. The course is suitable for those who work directly with or alongside autistic individuals, or who need a more detailed understanding of autism.
To explore and understand:
• what autism is – the key areas that may impact autistic people; the ‘spectrum’ of autism, considering causes of stress, including an overview of sensory processing differences
• the range of areas in which an autistic person may need support
• Some practical strategies to become more ‘autism friendly’ in supporting autistic individuals
• an overview of workplace specific current legislation relating to autism; reasonable adjustments and approaches required
• the differences autistic people may experience regulating behaviours
• the differences autistic people may experience in perspective taking and social understanding – a different way of thinking – introducing the theoretical concept of social stories in addressing these differences
• how to proactively adapt environments and practices to meet the needs of autistic individuals and prevent situations escalating
• strategies for managing difficult situations
Course Length: Full Day/ Two Half Days
Number of delegates: A maximum of 15
Cost: £1000 or £100 on a pay per place basis if booked through our rolling training programme
This tier 3 course is based on evidence gathered from autistic people and clinical research professionals, with content being reviewed and updated in line with ongoing developments in research and our understanding of autism. Designed for people working with autistic adults in a professional capacity; people with a personal interest are welcome to attend but the focus will be on professional practice
Delegates will explore:
Course Length: Full Day/ Two Half Days
Number of delegates: A maximum of 15
Pre-requisites: Professional involvement with autistic adults; a good understanding of autism based on prior attendance at our introductory and practitioner courses or similar (please contact us if you’re unsure if this course is suitable for you).
Cost: £1000 or £100 on a pay per place basis if booked through our rolling training programme
To find out more or to book a course, please contact our training department: training@autismbeds.org
Beyond December 2022, we have reluctantly taken the decision to deliver our training once again via zoom. Partly because of the uncertainty about the impact of Covid-19 and the flu virus during the winter season, and partly due to the current economic situation, to keep costs as low as possible for attendees.
Delivery methods will be kept under constant review to ensure we deliver our training in the most responsible and safe way – face to face delivery will be offered when possible. We hope attendees will understand the need for this flexibility.
Booking and Cancellation Policy
1. All training places are subject to payment being received in advance of the course date.
2. We require 7 days notice if a delegate cancels a place and a refund is required.
3. Should delegates receive a confirmed place but fail to attend, a failed booking fee of the full course fee will be applied.
4. A minimum of 24 hours prior notice of a substitute delegate will be acceptable.
5. If a booking is made on behalf of someone else, please provide their contact email as unregistered delegates will not be admitted.
6. If for any reason we have to cancel a course at short notice, we will refund your course fee or transfer it to any future course.
Click on a course title to book:
A half day workshop designed to be particularly useful for those who are working with autistic individuals who have co-existing mental health conditions.
Delegates will explore and understand:
On booking you will receive a confirmation email and the week before the training you will be emailed further details.
There will be a maximum of 20 delegates.
Autism & Using Social Stories for Practitioners
A practical tier 2 workshop providing the opportunity to learn and develop skills to communicate with autistic people of all ages more effectively, using social stories. Including the opportunity to compose a social story of your own.
To explore:
On booking you will receive a confirmation email and the week before the training you will be emailed further details.
There will be a maximum of 15 delegates.
A tier 2 workshop to increase understanding of the demand avoidant presentation of autism, with advice on how to support those with this challenge.
To explore:
On booking you will receive a confirmation email and and the week before the training you will be emailed the zoom link and handouts.
There will be a maximum of 15 delegates.
A tier 2 workshop explaining the impact of poor mental health on autistic individuals, particularly useful for practitioners working with autistic individuals who have co-existing mental health conditions and/or dual diagnoses.
To explore:
On booking you will receive a confirmation email and the week before the training you will be emailed the zoom link and handouts.
There will be a maximum of 15 delegates.
A tier 2 workshop providing information about the underpinning causes of differing behaviours in autistic individuals of all ages and how they may best be supported.
To explore:
On booking you will receive a confirmation email and the week before the training you will be emailed the zoom link and handouts.
There will be a maximum of 15 delegates.
A workshop providing information about the differences often found in the ‘female’ or ‘internalised’ presentation of autism with advice on how to support autistic women and girls
This 2 part course is designed for professionals working in a school environment who work with autistic children of all ages on a regular basis; particularly useful for Special Educational Needs Coordinators, class teachers and other professionals directly supporting autistic children in the classroom.
This 2 part course is designed for professionals working in a school environment who work with autistic children of all ages on a regular basis; particularly useful for Special Educational Needs Coordinators, class teachers and other professionals directly supporting autistic children in the classroom.
This 2 part course is designed for professionals working in a school environment who work with autistic children of all ages on a regular basis; particularly useful for Special Educational Needs Coordinators, class teachers and other professionals directly supporting autistic children in the classroom.
A tier 2 workshop explaining the relationship between autism and sensory processing differences, in autistic people of all ages.
To explore:
On booking you will receive a confirmation email and the week before the training you will be emailed the course handouts and zoom link.
There will be a maximum of 15 delegates.
This 2 part course is designed for professionals working in a school environment who work with autistic children of all ages on a regular basis; particularly useful for Special Educational Needs Coordinators, class teachers and other professionals directly supporting autistic children in the classroom.
This service can be accessed by practitioners or parents who would like assistance in identifying, understanding and supporting young people who may face barriers to their learning and development. It can also be commissioned by local authority staff to supplement their own provision in times of high demand.
Our experience: Mandy Higgs is a qualified autism advisory teacher with over 15 years of experience. Mandy has a Postgraduate Certificate in Autism and further associated training including Carol Gray Social Stories, 3 & 5 Day TEACCH, 2 Day PECS, 2 Day SCERTs and 1 Day Protective Behaviours. Mandy is able to support other professionals in both providing and examining the evidence for an autism spectrum diagnosis, although currently only a medical professional can offer a diagnosis.
What this service can offer:
Cost/fees:
Autism Bedfordshire will always agree service fees before going ahead with any work. We offer an initial (one-off) up to 30 minute telephone consultation to any new client, free of charge, with no further obligation.
Our consultancy fee starts at £50/hour. There is an additional cost of 45p/mile added for the round trip between your location and ours (MK41 0UD) but we do not charge for the time spent travelling within Bedfordshire.
Example: Observation of a child (1–2 hours), written report with recommendations based on this observation and other information collated such as medical/school reports (3-4 hours). Typically this would total 5-6 hours’ work and therefore cost £250-£300, plus travel. If required to attend a follow up meeting with staff and parents/carers, this would add a further hours’ fee plus travel costs to the total.
For more information please contact us
Telephone: 01234 214871 or email: training@autismbeds.org
Our training has been designed, in line with the Core Capabilities framework for Supporting Autistic People, to focus on the key outcomes that learners need to achieve, the content to be included, and with the use of appropriate teaching and learning strategies. This includes co-production of training with autistic people and families and carers which has always been part of our training development. Our trainers have lived experience of autism and continually update their own knowledge and understanding.
What does this mean?
In 2009, the Autism Act put a duty on the Government to produce a strategy for autistic adults. A key duty in the Autism Act statutory guidance is provision of training for all frontline public service staff, in line with their job role, and developing specialist training for staff in health and social care. In 2021, the strategy was updated to ‘The national strategy for autistic children, young people and adults: 2021 to 2026’. The focus of training, as part of this update, is shifting away from ‘autism awareness’ to understanding autism, and across the lifespan.
The Core Capabilities framework for Supporting Autistic People describes what is required for supporting autistic people in a range of settings, from those who need a basic understanding of autism, to the skills, knowledge and behaviours required of those who are experts and lead services for autistic people. This framework is relevant to all autistic people, including children, young people, and adults; all autism training should map to it.
The framework comprises 19 capabilities grouped into 5 domains:
1. Understanding autism:
Capability 1 – Understanding autism
Capability 2 – Identification, assessment and diagnosis of autism
2. Personalised support:
Capability 3 – Person-centred care and support
Capability 4 – Communication and interaction
Capability 5 – Sensory processing and the environment
Capability 6 – Families and carers as partners in care and support
Capability 7 – Supporting changes throughout life
Capability 8 – Supporting autistic people where behaviour may challenge
Capability 9 – Forensic support
Capability 10 – Relationships, sexuality and sexual health
Capability 11 – Meaningful activity and independence
3. Physical and mental health:
Capability 12 – Physical health
Capability 13 – Mental health
Capability 14 – Health equality and reasonable adjustments
4. Risk, legislation, and safeguarding:
Capability 15 – Law, ethics and safeguarding
Capability 16 – Equality, diversity and inclusion
5. Leadership and management, education, and research:
Capability 17 – Leadership and management
Capability 18 – Education and personal development
Capability 19 – Research and evidence-based practice
There are natural overlaps between these capabilities within Autism Bedfordshire’s individual training courses; eg a specialist workshop such as sensory processing will include references to behaviours.
Within the capabilities, there are 3 tiers of learning outcomes, each for a particular ‘target audience’:
Tier 1 – People who require a general understanding of autism and the support autistic people may need, such as those working in public services, commercial or charitable organisations providing health, social care, education, policing, custodial care, housing, transport, careers, employment, or benefit services, including reception staff.
Tier 2 – People with responsibility for providing care and support for an autistic person or people, but who could seek support from others for complex management or complex decision-making, such as health and social care workers, including frontline care staff who are not autism specialists and those in other roles such as education and housing services that are providing care and support for autistic people. Tiers 1 and 2 may also be helpful to autistic people and the family, friends, and carers of autistic people, to ensure they are making the most of the support on offer and can plan effectively for their current and future needs.
Tier 3 – Health, social care and other practitioners with a high degree of autonomy, able to provide care and support in complex situations and/or may also lead services for autistic people; such as specialist healthcare professionals such as psychologists, psychiatrists, GPs with special interest, learning disability nurses, counsellors, psychotherapists, allied health professionals, social workers, educators etc. It will also include registered managers and other social care leaders including operational managers who have responsibility for services for autistic people. Tier 3 would also be appropriate for autistic people and carers/families of autistic people who are involved in designing and delivering training on autism and/or are working as a self-advocate or expert by experience at a strategic level.
All Autism Bedfordshire training courses meet the minimum suggested learning outcomes for Tier 1 and our specialist courses exceed Tier 1, meeting Tier 2 and, where appropriate, Tier 3 outcomes.
The full framework can be found here: https://www.skillsforhealth.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Autism-Capabilities-Framework-Oct-2019.pdf
Additionally, the following values and behaviours underpin all the capabilities in the Core Capabilities framework for Supporting Autistic People and focus on the minimum that autistic people, their family, and carers can expect of the people who provide support. These are supplementary to any existing legal, regulatory, and ethical requirements or codes relevant to professional bodies and employers; are embodied throughout Autism Bedfordshire and embedded in our training delivery. Every person or practitioner will:
a) Demonstrate positivity, recognising the strengths and abilities of autistic people.
b) Gain an understanding of each autistic person’s perspective and personal preferences.
c) Be patient and really listen to what is being communicated by an autistic person.
d) Recognise the presentation, behaviour, and identity of autistic people – and respond with respect and compassion, without judging them or labelling their behaviour in unhelpful ways.
e) Value and acknowledge the experience and expertise of autistic people, their families and support networks, enabling choice and autonomy and protecting people’s human rights.
f) Act with integrity, honesty, and openness, seeking to develop mutual trust in all interactions with autistic people, their families, carers, and communities.
g) Be committed to integrated current and future care and support through working in partnership with autistic people, teams, communities, and organisations.
h) Value collaborative involvement and co-production with autistic people to improve person-centred design and quality of services.
At tier 1, it is recommended that training for understanding autism is refreshed at least every 3 years. This is consistent with recommendations for other ‘statutory/mandatory’ subjects such as those for Equality, Diversity and Human Rights, Safeguarding Adults and Safeguarding Children (Ref: UK Core Skills Training Framework at: www.skillsforhealth.org.uk/cstf )