MUST HAVE ATTENDED PRACTICAL UNDERSTANDING OF AUTISM

Target Audience

Education , health and social care support staff working with autistic and neurodivergent individuals.

Duration

4 hours

Purpose

To explore how social relationships are experienced differently by autistic people, understand the challenges they may face, and develop strategies to support meaningful, respectful, and affirming social connections.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

- Recognise the differences in social communication between autistic and neurotypical individuals.

- Understand the emotional and cognitive demands of social relationships for autistic people.

- Identify the impact of anxiety and past experiences on social motivation and participation.

- Explore the concept of the 'emotional bank account' and how social interactions can be draining or restorative.

- Respect diverse social preferences, including the desire for solitude or smaller social circles.

- Apply the Stages of Change model to assess readiness and support social development at the individual’s pace.

- Use a strengths-based, neuro-affirming approach to support social goals that are meaningful to the individual.

- Adapt environments and expectations to reduce social, sensory, and task-related demands.

- Support emotional regulation and resilience in social contexts through preparation, reflection, and co-regulation.

- Reflect on personal assumptions and adjust expectations to align with the individual’s needs and values.