Development of Autism Friendly Classrooms

Autism-Friendly Classrooms is the second-level e-learning course for supporting pupils with autism. It is intended to be a follow-on course from the level one “Understanding Autism” session. Autism-Friendly Classrooms is a CPD accredited to provide knowledge and practical strategies for supporting pupils within the classroom who have a diagnosis of autism. 

This course is separated into six modules of learning:

Module One: An Overview of Autism
This module provides you with an overview of autism, including definition, diagnosis, commonality and frequency. It will also re-examine the four key areas of difference which are communication and interaction, information processing, sensory processing and social understanding.

Module Two: SEN Code of Practice - Implications for Pupils
In this module, we explore the SEN Code of Practice and the implications for pupils with autism and the settings that support them. Good practice examples are shared including practical suggestions for implementing the code of practice in day-to-day classrooms. 

Module Three: SEN Code of Practice - A Graduated Approach
This module explores the SEND graduated approach to support. The assess, plan, do, review model of improvement is explored and Education, Health and Care plans are examined focusing on how to best enhance provision for pupils, using an EHCP as a guide. The role of the SENCO is also examined in this unit. 

Module Four: Strategies to Support Communication and Interaction
Module four explores key interventions and strategies to support successful inclusion for pupils with autism, focusing on communication and interaction. We will look at common challenges and strategies to support pupils in overcoming these challenges. We will also look at the development of communication and how teachers and teaching assistants can positively impact this.

Module Five: Strategies to Support Positive Behaviour
Module five explores behaviour as communication and the various strategies available to support both staff and pupils in promoting positive behaviour support and experiences in the classroom. 

Module Six: Strategies to Support Sensory Processing Challenges
In our last module, we explore sensory processing and the common strategies that can be used to support pupils in coping with sensory processing challenges. We look at the eight senses, what overload may look like in these areas and what happens when a child goes into shutdown. We will also explore what types of behaviour you might see. 

Study time: 120 mins