Attention Autism
Foundation Level Two-Day training course – the original Attention Autism Programme
This two day course equips attendees with the skills to set up and run the 4 Stage Attention Autism programme. The training focuses on the practical aspects of intervention, working in a team and offering an irresistible invitation to learn. The Attention Autism programme targets the teaching of attention, communication and social interaction skills. Training is run applying the principles of the attention autism programme throughout each day. There are demonstrations of the techniques in action, films of the work with children, practical hands-on experience for participants and ideas for activities. The intention is to share the practical skills needed for participants to feel confident in setting up and running the intervention immediately.
The two days are usually booked with several weeks in between the Day 1 and Day 2 to allow attendees to set up and start the intervention using the first two stages before returning to learn the rest of the programme. However the 2 day training can be run back to back if travel expense or time demands. Many settings begin with the Day 1 training and then go on to book the Day 2 when they feel ready or when budgets allow. We try our best to be flexible!
The workshops are run for groups of 25 people , this is to ensure that the practical aspects of the workshop can be run in small groups making coaching and feedback effective.
Attention Autism Day 1 Workshop
Day 1 Explores the impact of autism spectrum disorders on the development of attention skills and the impact this has on a child’s ability to learn both 1:1 and in a group. We identify ways the learning strengths of children can be exploited and how fragile new skills can be developed. The workshop sets out the first two stages of the 4 stage Attention Autism programme; Stage 1 Focusing Attention, Stage 2 Sustaining attention. The workshop provides practical hands-on opportunities for the attendees to try out activities at each stage and discuss application of the programme within their setting or service.
Attention Autism Day 2 Workshop
Day 2 Explores the ways in which communication development can be targeted and nurtured within sessions ensuring the needs of the children can be sensitively met whether preverbal, non-verbal able to speak. The focus is on building functional social communication, understanding and spontaneous communication. The intervention looks at the power of shared good times for building engaged learning and trusting relationships where interaction, problem communication and learning can flourish. The workshop provides an opportunity to solve any issues that have arisen in application of the first 2 stages of the programme in practice and then introduces Stage 3 Shifting Attention and Stage 4 focusing, sustaining and shifting attention including a transition to independent working. Methods for planning and recording sessions, and linking the intervention to the curriculum and personalised planning for a child is incorporated into the day. Ideas and activities are shared and the attendees are then ready to set up and run the full programme!