Autism Training Workshops
Awareness Training (3-hour workshop) This is an introductory training intended to give participants an awareness or general understanding of autism. This workshop focuses on the characteristics of autism and the visual systems that help people with autism to understand their environment. It is an ideal beginning for direct care staff, family members, respite support staff and in-home care workers as well as program managers.
Knowledge Level Training (6 hour workshop) This training focuses on autism facts, characteristics and strategies that help people with autism to have more independence in their daily activities. Participants will gain a better understanding of:
- How the characteristics of autism affect the individual;
- Organizing the environment to maximize understanding, independence and success;
- Developing visual supports to accommodate the individual’s learning style;
- Beginning expressive and receptive communication systems;
- Designing and adapting materials that will provide clear instructions.
Workshop participants will focus on an individual they know. This workshop is especially designed for people implementing visual strategies such as direct care staff, families, educators and agency administrators.
Hands-On Training (3 day Workshop) In this workshop, participants will practice applying the principles of visual structure under the guidance of OTAC trainers. Three individuals with autism will be present for the workshop as co-trainers. Working in teams led by OTAC trainers, participants will conduct assessments, develop materials and teach individuals with autism. This practicum is designed for people using visual structure on a regular basis, such as program managers, care staff, educators and others.
Family Training (1 day workshop) This training will focuses on how environmental structure, visual systems and routine ways of presenting information can help a child understand more. Parents will learn how to look at their child’s behavior through the culture of autism. They will be provided with a process that will help create a positive support plan for their son or daughter.
Key topics covered include:
- How autism affects a child’s behavior
- The importance of environmental structure for a child with autism
- How visual systems and routine ways of presenting information can help a child with autism understand more
- Expressive and receptive communication
- Positive behavioral support strategies
For a list of our currently scheduled trainings, visit our training information page.
For more information about any of our Autism Spectrum Disorder resources, please contact us.