General Workshops for Professionals

Autism SA is pleased to announce that all workshops are being run as live online webinars in place of face to face workshops. 

As each scheduled workshop approaches, registered participants will receive all the training materials required for that workshop, including a PDF of the PowerPoint. Participants will need a computer with internet access to join the webinar, but will not be required to download any software. Prior to the workshop participants will receive step-by-step instructions on how to access the webinar they have registered for.

General Workshops for Professionals are designed to increase awareness and understanding of autism and will provide a range of practical strategies that may be beneficial when working with individuals on the spectrum in a range of settings. The general workshops are a useful introductory for people who have not attended previous Autism SA workshops.

To view Autism SA's In Focus Workshops for Professionals, please click here.

For assistance in registering, please contact Emma Bennett, Training, Consultancy and Research Officer on 8462 0658 or ebennett@autismsa.org.au 

For further information regarding the content of the sessions please contact Lexie Dryden, the Training and Development Consultant on 0421 326 710 or ldryden@autismsa.org.au 

For Terms of Trade, please click here. 

Click here for more information on becoming an Associate/Ordinary Member.

Workshop descriptions:

Understanding Autism

This is a General Workshop for professionals who work with people on the autism spectrum and want a better understanding of autism to assist in improved outcomes for the people they support.
Presented by a consultant with many years’ experience supporting individuals on the spectrum, this session outlines the diagnostic criteria and explores the unique characteristics of autism including, Asperger’s syndrome.
Upon completion, participants will better understand the profile of an individual on the spectrum, including their strengths and challenges.
Throughout the workshop the presenter will use discussion, activities, videos and lived experiences to deliver information that will enhance the participant’s knowledge of people on the spectrum across all age groups.

Effective strategies to support a person with autism

This workshop helps participants learn how to use a range of social, communication, behavioural and sensory strategies to support individuals on the spectrum. Strategies are practical, relevant and evidence based.
Throughout the workshop the presenter will use discussion, activities, videos and lived experiences to deliver information that will enhance the participant’s knowledge of strategies, that are suitable for use in a range of environments for
individuals of any age.

Understanding autism and effective strategies for primary school teachers

This is a General Workshop that has been developed for primary school teachers who want a better understanding of autism and a range of effective strategies to support students in the educational setting. Presented by professionals with
significant experience in working in the primary setting with children with autism, the topics covered include:

• Understanding autism;
• Developing a relationship and creating a student profile;
• Setting up inclusive classroom environments;
• Instructional approaches;
• Strategies for classroom management;
• Understanding sensory processing and the impact on a student; and
• Whole class approaches.

Throughout the workshop the presenter will use discussion, activities and videos to deliver information specific to teachers in the primary years, that will enhance the participant’s knowledge of autism, and strategies to enable them
to provide effective support and inclusion.

Understanding autism and effective strategies to support for SSOs/ESOs/LSOs

This is a General Workshop that has been developed for SSO’s and ESO’s who want a better understanding of autism, and a range of effective strategies to use when supporting a student on the spectrum.

Supporting a student on the autism spectrum can be both challenging and very rewarding.
This workshop recognises the important role of SSO’s and ESO’s within the educational sector.
The program allows time for participants to share their ideas and successes, and network with other participants. 

Presented by professionals with significant experience working with children on the autism
spectrum the topics covered include:

• Understanding autism;
• Developing a relationship and creating a student profile;
• The role of support staff;
• Evidence based teaching strategies when working 1:1, in small groups and supporting in the classroom;
• Increasing student engagement;
• Effective behaviour management strategies when working 1:1, in groups and in the classroom;
• Addressing sensory needs; and
• How to look after your own needs on the job!

Throughout the workshop the presenter will use discussion, activities and videos to deliver information specific to support staff working with students at both primary and secondary school, that will enhance the participant’s knowledge of
autism, and strategies to enable them to provide effective support and inclusion.

Understanding autism and effective strategies to support in the OSHC setting

This is a General Workshop that has been developed for staff who work in Out of School Hours Care (OHSC) settings (including before and after school, and vacation care) who want a better understanding of autism, and
to learn a broad range of effective strategies to use when supporting students on the spectrum.

This workshop will increase participants’ knowledge, understanding and skills when supporting students on the spectrum. The session also provides an opportunity to develop professional skills and networks.
The presenter will cover a range of topics specifically relevant to the OSHC setting including:

• Understanding the autism spectrum and what this looks/sounds like in the OSHC setting;
• Setting up the environment, rules and routines;
• How to effectively communicate;
• Supporting peer relations and inclusion;
• Behaviour management strategies specifically for the OSHC setting;
• Supporting regulating: and
• ‘In the moment’ strategies.

Throughout the workshop the presenter will use discussion, activities and videos to deliver information specific for OSHC staff, that will enhance the participant’s knowledge of autism, and teach strategies to
enable them to provide effective support, inclusion and outcomes.

Understanding autism and effective strategies for secondary teachers

This is a General Workshop that has been developed for Secondary Teachers who want a better understanding of autism and a range of effective strategies to support students on the autism spectrum.

The session acknowledges that the high school journey is very different to that of the primary school journey. The skills and attitudes developed in high school will set a foundation for post school opportunities, making support in the high
school years so important. The session has been developed by an experienced autism consultant who has worked as a high school teacher. The topics covered will give educators the knowledge, and practical skills, to effectively support students
on the spectrum at high school.

Topics include:
• Understanding the autism spectrum;
• The typical learner profile of students on the spectrum;
• Organisation and self-management strategies;
• Curriculum differentiation;
• Enhancing communication;
• Developing social understanding;
• Proactively reducing interfering behaviours; and
• Understanding sensory processing and the impact on the student.

Throughout the workshop the presenter will use discussion, activities and videos to deliver information specific to secondary students, that will enhance the participant’s knowledge of autism, and strategies to enable them to provide effective
support and increase inclusion.

Understanding autism and effective strategies for early years educators

This is a General Workshop which has been developed for early years professionals, including preschool, kindergarten or childcare educators who want a better understanding of autism and a range of effective strategies to

support children on the autism spectrum. 

Presented by a consultant with significant experience in working in the early years setting, the topics covered include:

• Understanding autism;
• The early indicators of autism;
• The diagnostic process in SA;
• Services and support available;
• Setting up successful transitions;
• Setting up supportive environments;
• How to teach a new skill;
• Positive behaviour support strategies;
• Identifying and supporting sensory needs; and
• Case studies.

Throughout the workshop the presenter will use discussion, activities and videos to deliver information specific to the early years setting that will enhance participant’s knowledge of autism, and strategies that enable
them to provide effective support and inclusion for children with autism.