Autism is a spectrum condition that affects around one in every 100 people. Children, young people and adults on the spectrum will come into contact with a range of different people and organisations in their everyday life and, depending on how their autism affects them, may have additional needs about how they communicate and interact with others.
Raising awareness and understanding of autism is one of the main priorities of Reading’s Autism Strategy. There are a number of organisations in Reading that can provide training to help people to improve their knowledge of autism. Some of these include:
The Council’s Autism Advisor provides a 5 week programme for parents/carers in Reading to increase their knowledge and understanding of autism. Each week a professional speaker attends to present each topic. The Autism Advisor also runs the ASD TA Network for all Teaching Assistants working with children in Reading with a diagnosis of Autism. For further information please contact the Autism Advisor directly: jenna.redmond@brighterfuturesforchildren.org 07912362341.
Autism Berkshire provides training for professionals, parents and carers to raise awareness of autism and issues associated with autism. Their courses include:
• An Introduction to Autism and Asperger Syndrome
• Training for Adults with ASC
• Disability Living Allowance Workshop
• QCF Level 2 Qualification
• Positive Thinking for Parents/Carers
• Pre-Assessment Autism Workshops
You can find out more information about these courses on the Autism Berkshire website: http://www.autismberkshire.org.uk/autism-training.aspx
Parenting Special Children run specialist parenting programmes for parent/carers who have children with special needs, programmes include
- Time Out from Special Needs, an 8 week course for parent/carers who have children with a range of special needs
- Time Out from ASD a four week course for parent/carers who have children or young people with Autism. All programmes are FREE to families.
- Autistic Girls monthly workshop
- Pre and post assessment workshop
We cover Reading, Wokingham and West Berkshire
You can find out more about these and other courses that Parenting Special Children run by visiting their website: http://www.parentingspecialchildren.co.uk/
Autism Matters provides training devised and delivered by a qualified and experienced autistic trainer. The introductory day covers:
• An overview of autism (including Asperger Syndrome)
• Why autistic people have social and communication differences
• How and why autistic people respond to information and in unusual ways
• Autistic strengths and challenges
• Some reasons why autism is often not identified
• Experiential exercises and discussion
A range of further courses and talks are available including:
• Continuing Professional Development for therapists, counsellors and health professionals
• Exploring autism further
• Autism in the workplace
• Autism and mental health
More information and cost is available at the website www.autismmatters.org.uk or by emailing caroline@autismmatters.org.uk
The National Autistic Society provides a range of training and resources for professionals. See their website for more information: http://www.autism.org.uk/working-with.aspx
The Council’s Learning and Workforce Development Team offer a range of subsidised training for early years practitioners and social care partners. The programme changes each year depending on the needs identified, but you can find out about the latest courses available at: http://www.reading.gov.uk/training
Page updated May 2019