Specialist Training Courses

I provide a range of specialist training courses that are suitable for local education authorities, schools, social care providers, parent/carers and other professionals who work closely with children and adults with special educational needs or a learning disability. I also provide one-to-one training in the home/classroom or work setting for individual children and adults.

Understanding & Managing Challenging Behaviour (2-Day Course)

A two-day course aimed at anyone who works with persons with a diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorder, ADHD or a learning disability who present with challenging behaviour. The course examines the law, risk assessments and the recording of incidents. We also discuss the nature, cause and effects of challenging behaviour, the strategies for reducing points of conflict and sensory calming techniques in addition to examining managing versus changing challenging behaviour.

The second day of the course introduces several case studies to enable delegates to determine the functions of a range of behaviours and to devise behavioural treatment programmes. We then combine physical skills with the strategies learnt on the first day of the course. During the second day there will be time for practising the various approaches and physical skills together. The final element of the course is learning the restraint procedure. Towards the end of the afternoon session, the trainer will undertake some role-play with delegates which will test the various skills learnt on the course and will involve the use of restraint.

Sensory Issues

A one-day interactive course aimed at teachers, other care professionals, parents and carers who work or live with persons with Sensory Integration difficutlies who present challenging behaviour. The course explains Sensory Integration, how and when it develops in humans and why it is important for education and learning.

The course also discusses the role of play in assisting sensory development and examines sensory hypersensitivity, hyposensitivity, sensory modulation and the links between levels of arousal. The course tutor examines how individual's cope with the sensory demands of life and introduces the concept of the 'Sensory Diet' and how these activities can be incorporated into the home and work environment. The links between challenging behaviour and sensory integration is examined and a series of 'sensory calming' and 'sensory alerting' techniques will be demonstrated to delegates through interactive sessions and group activities.

Autistic Spectrum Disorder - Awareness Training

A one-day course aimed at anyone who works or lives with persons with a diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorder, including Kanner's Autism and Asperger's Syndrome. The day will begin with a brief historical overview and then discuss issues relating to terminology and diagnosis. There will then be a discussion on the differences between Kanner's Autism and Asperger's Syndrome followed by a short question and answer session.

Delegates will learn about areas of sensitivities for persons with Autistic Spectrum Disorder and the clinical features of the condition in addition to the diagnostic checklists used by professionals.