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Training & Consultancy

Our Training

Our Courses

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Current Training for Practitioners

Educational Consultancy

With 30 years of first-hand experience, Autism Bedfordshire is now a leading provider of high quality autism training throughout Bedfordshire and beyond. We have developed a comprehensive range of quality, specialist training packages suitable for anyone wanting to increase their understanding of autism and knowledge of strategies to support individuals. Where possible, training is delivered in partnership with autistic guest speakers who offer their unique personal perspective of life on the spectrum.

Delegates can book onto our advertised course programme or commission private training courses directly. If you want to stay updated with the latest training events then join our mailing list here

Autism Bedfordshire’s specialist training packages have reached over 4,000 delegates throughout Bedfordshire and beyond. When you purchase 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

We offer training to practitioners, services, schools, individuals, businesses, and community groups.

Course prices usually include course folders with handouts, and certificates of attendance (resources are subject to Covid-19 practices and guidance). Currently we are only offering half day workshops in order to reduce contact time, in line with Covid-19 guidelines.

We can design bespoke training programmes 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)
• Our ‘Train the Trainer’ offer (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!

Autism In Adulthood

An introductory course designed to provide a basic understanding of autism spectrum conditions, suitable for anyone who may encounter autistic adults.

Delegates will explore and understand:

  • an overview of current legislation relating to autism
  • what autism is and the key areas that may impact autistic people
  • some practical strategies to become more ‘autism friendly’ in the workplace and in supporting autistic individuals

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

Autism in the Classroom

This two part course is designed for practitioners 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 people directly supporting autistic children in the classroom.

Delegates will explore and understand:

  • the main difficulties experienced by autistic children – and some of their strengths
  • practical strategies that all staff can implement to support autistic children
  • knowledge to share with colleagues to ensure your school is an autism-friendly setting

Course Length: 2 half days

Number of delegates: A maximum of 12

Pre-requisites: Basic autism knowledge or practical experience

Cost: For both parts, a total of £800 or £80 on a pay per place basis if booked through our rolling training programme (both parts must be attended to gain a certificate of attendance)

Autism & Using Social Stories

A practical workshop providing the opportunity to learn and develop skills to communicate with autistic people of all ages more effectively through social stories.

Delegates will explore and understand:

  • the differences autistic people may experience in perspective taking, social understanding and managing change, due to their different way of thinking
  • the theory behind the concept of social stories in addressing and supporting people with these differences
  • how to write a social story, from unpicking the situation to suggesting alternative courses of action

Course Length: Half day

Number of delegates: A maximum of 12

Pre-requisites: A good basic understanding of autism

Cost: £500 or £50 on a pay per place basis if booked through our rolling training programme

Autism & Behaviour

A workshop to explain the impact of autism on regulating behaviour, offering advice on how to support autistic individuals of all ages.

Delegates will explore and understand:

  • the difficulties autism may cause in regulating behaviours
  • how to adapt environments and practices to meet the needs of autistic individuals
  • strategies for managing difficult situations

Course Length: Half day

Number of delegates: A maximum of 12

Pre-requisites: A good basic understanding of autism

Cost: £500 or £50 on a pay per place basis if booked through our rolling training programme

Autism & Demand Avoidance

A workshop providing information about the demand avoidant presentation of autism and advice on how to support those with demand avoidant behaviour of all ages.

Delegates will explore and understand:

  • 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 prevent and manage demand avoidant behaviour

Course Length: Half day

Number of delegates: A maximum of 12

Pre-requisites: A good basic understanding of autism

Cost: £500 or £50 on a pay per place basis if booked through our rolling training programme

Autism & Sensory Processing

A workshop exploring the relationship between autism and sensory processing in autistic people of all ages.

Delegates will explore and understand:

  • the impact of sensory processing differences on the lives of autistic individuals
  • resources and strategies to support health and wellbeing where there are sensory challenges
  • when to ask for professional input

Course Length: Half day

Number of delegates: A maximum of 12

Pre-requisites: A good basic understanding of autism

Cost: £500 or £50 on a pay per place basis if booked through our rolling training programme

Autism, Women & Girls

A workshop providing information about the differences often found in the ‘female’ or ‘internalised’ presentation of autism, with advice on how to best support individuals.

Delegates will explore and understand:

  • the way autism affects women and girls and why this can delay diagnosis
  • how to adapt environments and practices to meet the specific needs of autistic women and girls
  • resources and strategies for supporting autistic women and girls

Course Length: Half day

Number of delegates: A maximum of 12

Pre-requisites: A thorough understanding of autism

Cost: £500 or £50 on a pay per place basis if booked through our rolling training programme

Autism & Mental Health for Practitioners

A 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:

  • an overview of co-existing mental health 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 12

Pre-requisites: A thorough understanding of autism

Cost: £500 or £50 on a pay per place basis if booked through our rolling training programme

Autism & Relationships For Practitioners

A half day workshop designed for practitioners working with autistic adults and young people who need professional help to initiate, develop and maintain constructive relationships

Delegates will explore and understand:

  • the importance of direct teaching about relationships to autistic people
  • ethical and legal issues
  • concerns and experiences
  • a starter range of teaching resources – our ‘toolkit’ – and take away a memory stick with over 400 electronic resources to develop and build on

Course Length: Half day

Number of delegates: A maximum of 12

Pre-requisites: knowledge of autism to a confident standard or considerable practical experience

Cost: £600 or £60 per place if booked through our rolling programme

Supporting Autistic Clients & Colleagues

A workshop to develop skills, knowledge and strategies in supporting autistic adults. This course is designed and suitable for those who work directly with autistic individuals, or who need a more detailed understanding of autism

Delegates will explore and understand:

  • the range of areas in which an autistic person may need support
  • the ‘spectrum’ of autism, considering causes of stress, with an overview of sensory processing differences
  • how to adjust practice and improve services for autistic individuals

Course Length: Full Day/ Two Half Days

Number of delegates: A maximum of 12

Pre-requisites: Practical experience working in either a setting or 1:1 supporting an autistic adult, or having attended our Autism In Adulthood training/similar.

Cost: £800 or £80 on a pay per place basis if booked through our rolling training programme

Autism - Advanced Professional Practice

This 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 and understand:

  • detailed information on autism theories and practice
  • the clinical diagnosis process
  • an overview of approaches and reasonable adjustments required to support autistic adults

Course Length: Full Day/ Two Half Days

Number of delegates: A maximum of 12

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: £900 or £90 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

We have reluctantly taken the decision to deliver our training via zoom until further notice. This delivery method will be kept under constant review to ensure we deliver our training in the most responsible and safe way – face to face delivery will recommence when circumstances allow.

Click on a course title to book:

Autism & Behaviour

31st January, 2022
9:30 am-12:30 pm

A half day workshop to explain the impact of autism on regulating behaviour, offering advice on how to support autistic individuals of all ages.

Delegates will explore and understand:

  • the difficulties autism may cause in regulating behaviours
  • how to adapt environments and practices to meet the needs of autistic individuals
  • strategies for managing difficult situations

This training will be held online via zoom.  On booking you will receive a confirmation email and the week before the training you will be emailed the details to join and course handouts.

,

Autism, Women & Girls

10th February, 2022
9:30 am-12:30 pm

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

,

Autism & Sensory Processing

22nd February, 2022
9:30 am-12:30 pm

A half day workshop exploring the relationship between autism and sensory processing in autistic people of all ages.

Delegates will explore and understand:
  • the impact of sensory processing differences on the lives of autistic individuals
  • resources and strategies to support health and wellbeing where there are sensory challenges
  • when to ask for professional input
This training will be held online via zoom.  On booking you will receive a confirmation email and the week before the training you will be emailed the details to join and course handouts.
,

Autism & Using Social Stories

24th February, 2022
9:30 am-12:00 pm

A half day practical workshop providing the opportunity to learn and develop skills to communicate with autistic people of all ages more effectively through social stories.

Delegates will explore and understand:

  • the differences autistic people may experience in perspective taking, social understanding and managing change, due to their different way of thinking
  • the theory behind the concept of social stories in addressing and supporting people with these differences
  • how to write a social story, from unpicking the situation to suggesting alternative courses of action

This training will be held online via zoom.  On booking you will receive a confirmation email and the week before the training you will be emailed the details to join and course handouts.

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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 twelve years of experience. Mandy has a Postgraduate Certificate in Asperger Syndrome 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:

  • Individual observations in the setting or (exceptionally) at home
  • Sensory environmental audit
  • Holistic reports containing clear recommendations
  • A focus on all diagnostic areas including social communication and interaction, flexibility of thought, behaviours, the impact of sensory processing differences and environmental factors
  • Advice about possible ways forward for the young person, suggested interventions and suitable targets
  • Useful evidence either pre or post diagnosis when seeking statutory support (please consult with your Local Authority to confirm they will recognise such evidence)

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 is £50/hour. There is an additional cost of 40p/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