Understanding Autism

Have you ever wondered what a day in the life of a person with Asperger Syndrome looks like? This delightful training resource is based on a series of postcards that offer an insight from moments in the life of a young woman with Asperger Syndrome. Understanding Autism is based on the premise that learning from the experience of someone on the autism spectrum can help those who support individuals to understand and to adapt their approach and therefore achieve better outcomes. The postcards that supplement this training pack (and are included within the resource) are showcased within PowerPoint slides and offer an introduction to key concepts, specific learning points, or explanations of activities to supplement learning. The training pack meets the stated learning outcomes in the Skills for Care Autism Skills and Knowledge List (2011a) focusing particularly on the first three levels: Underpinning values and attitudes Basic awareness Intermediate knowledge and skills As such, it incorporates the requirements of the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF), with each session cross-referenced to the stated learning outcomes in the following autism specific knowledge units: LD210 - introductory awareness of autistic spectrum conditions LD310 - understand how to support individuals with autistic spectrum conditions LD510 - promote good practice in the support of individuals with autistic spectrum conditions
About the Author: Dan Redfearn Dan Redfearn is a lecturer in nursing (learning disabilities) and social work. Having qualified as a joint learning disability nursing and social work practitioner, he has worked in a variety of learning disability practice settings specialising in healthcare, behaviours that challenge, and as an autism specialist with adults on the autism spectrum. Holly Turton Holly is currently a trainee clinical psychologist undertaking a doctorate in clinical psychology at the University of Manchester. Since completing her undergraduate degree in psychology, Holly has worked in several roles within learning disability and mental health services. She has previously worked as a specialist assistant with adults on the autistic spectrum, and within this role spent three years supporting co-author Hayden. Following this she completed a postgraduate certificate in advanced practice interventions for mental health and worked as a psychological well-being practitioner for adults with mental health issues. Hayden Larder Hayden Larder is a young woman who was diagnosed with autism when she was 16. Hayden is currently a student continuing her studies at college. She has completed childcare training and health and social care training and has spent several years volunteering at groups for children and young people with learning disabilities. Helen Larder Helen Larder is Hayden's mother. Helen has been a writer and teacher for 30 years, teaching creative writing, script writing and theatre studies to students in further education, undergraduates and postgraduates. Publications include a novel for adults and a novel for young adults.