What You Will Learn

This in-depth professional training provides you with all the keys to support autistic individuals in institutions, from understanding the disorder to implementing concrete daily strategies.

You will leave with concrete tools

• Sensory profile assessment grids
• Visual and sequential schedule templates
• Observation grids for functional analysis
• AAC tools (pictograms, binders)
• Social scenarios
• Skills tracking grids
• Individual action plan

Validation of Acquired Skills

• Validation quiz
• Practical case studies
• Development of an individual action plan for your institution

Theme 1 — Understanding Autism: Foundations and Neuroscience

• History of autism and evolution of representations
• Current definition of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• Autistic cognitive functioning: theory of mind, central coherence, executive functions
• Sensory particularities in depth: the eight sensory systems, hyper- and hyposensitivity
• Sensory profile assessment and environmental adaptation

Theme 2 — Communication and Social Interaction

• Communication profiles: from fluent language to absence of spoken language
• Pragmatic language and its difficulties: implicature, irony, metaphors
• Non-verbal communication
• Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC): principles; tools with and without technology (PECS, tablet applications); implementation and generalization
• Adapting your own communication: clear language, visual supports, latency times

Theme 3 — Structuring and Preventing Challenging Behaviors

• Structuring environment and time according to TEACCH: space arrangement, visual schedules, sequential activity plans
• Managing transitions and unexpected events
• Understanding challenging behaviors as communication
• Four functions of behavior and functional analysis
• Vulnerability factors and precursor signs

Theme 4 — Crisis Management and Skill Development

• Prevention and support of crises: primary and secondary prevention strategies
• Intervention during the crisis: safety, de-escalation, regulation
• Support after the crisis
• Developing skills and autonomy: assessment, SMART goals
• Adapted teaching strategies: chaining, visual learning
• Generalization of knowledge and use of specific interests

Theme 5 — Autonomy, Adult Support, and Teamwork

• Developing autonomy in daily life: personal (hygiene, dressing, eating), domestic (household tasks, meals, laundry), social and community (transportation, shopping, money, phone), safety skills
• Supporting social skills: explicit teaching of codes, social scenarios, social skills groups
• Specifics of supporting adults: dignity and self-determination, emotional life and sexuality, aging and autism, life project
• Strengthening teamwork: multidisciplinary collaboration, partnership with families, HAS/ANESM recommendations, prevention of professional burnout