Training Staff in Specialized Establishments: Supporting Autistic Residents
Developing team skills for appropriate and quality support on a daily basis
Medical-social establishments welcoming autistic individuals (IME, FAM, MAS, homes) face a growing need for training their teams. Autism, with its varied manifestations and specific needs, requires particular skills that initial training has not always provided. Training all staff – educators, caregivers, general services – is a major challenge for quality support. This article explores the essential content and modalities of this training.
The Challenges of Training in Establishments
The quality of support for autistic residents directly depends on the skills of the professionals who interact with them daily. However, many professionals in position have received initial training that did not address or only briefly covered autism. The evolution of scientific knowledge and best practice recommendations necessitates regular updates. Continuing education is therefore essential.
of professionals want in-depth training on autism
of challenging behaviors after team training
more professional satisfaction with appropriate training
Essential Training Content
Understanding Autism
The training begins with an understanding of the characteristics of autism: autistic triad or dyad, sensory particularities, cognitive profiles, spectrum diversity. This understanding helps make sense of observed behaviors and adapt responses.
Adapted Communication
Communication with autistic individuals requires adaptations: clear and concrete instructions, use of visual supports, attention to understanding particularities, alternative communication for non-verbal individuals. These skills are acquired through training and practice.
Managing Challenging Behaviors
Understanding the function of difficult behaviors (communication, avoidance, sensory seeking) allows for appropriate intervention. Functional approaches, prevention, and intervention strategies are essential training content.
DYNSEO Training for Teams
The training "Supporting a Child with Autism: Keys and Solutions for Daily Life" from DYNSEO can serve as a foundational level of training for all staff. It conveys the fundamentals and offers concrete strategies applicable in daily life. Accessible online, it can be taken by all team members.
Discover the TrainingTraining All Staff
The training should involve all staff, not just educational teams. Service agents, cooks, maintenance staff interact with residents and contribute to the quality of the environment. Appropriate awareness for their role allows them to understand residents and adapt their behaviors.
COCO: A Tool for Establishments
The COCO PENSE and COCO BOUGE programs from DYNSEO can be used as support for cognitive activities for autistic residents with intellectual disabilities. The different levels allow for individual adaptation. Trained teams know how to integrate it into daily support.
Discover COCO"Training the entire team has been a turning point for our establishment. We now speak the same language, we understand the residents, and above all, we know how to react in difficult situations. The atmosphere has calmed down, for the residents as well as for us."
- Train all staff to understand autism
- Teach adapted communication techniques
- Teach the functional approach to behaviors
- Train on structuring the environment
- Plan training at different levels according to roles
- Organize supervision and practice analysis sessions
- Maintain skills through continuing education
Conclusion: An Essential Investment
Training staff is an essential investment for the quality of support in establishments. It improves understanding of residents, reduces challenging behaviors, and increases professional satisfaction. DYNSEO resources, training, and tools like COCO can support this process. Guides for supporting children and supporting autistic adults complement the available resources.
