Name: ‘Autism.....it's not what you think’
Start: 2025-10-16T09:30:00+01:00
End: 2025-10-23T12:00:00+01:00
Location: The Ellesmere Centre - Beverley Road

$\u2018Autism.....it's not what you think\u2019$

A course designed to support education staff to learn about what autistic students need them to know
About this Event

This course has been designed to support participants to re-examine perceptions of what it means to be autistic.

We challenge historical and stereotypical views about being autistic and guide participants in expanding their knowledge about autistic identity through the lens of neurodiversity. We support participants to think about how to create a neuro affirming environment and all participants will receive a Starter Pack of key resources to use in their settings.

This course is written and delivered by Neurodivergent clinicians and has been developed using resources created by autistic advocates, reflecting on real lived experience and amplifying autistic perspectives.

The course covers the following:

Understanding neurodiversity and autistic identity

Challenging common misconceptions about autism

Exploring common autistic experiences

Recognising barriers autistic pupils face from neurotypical environments and expectations (including exploration of anxiety-based school avoidance and post-school restraint collapse)

Understanding Dr Ross Greene’s ethos ‘kids do well when they can’ and exploring the concept of ‘can’t not won’t’

Shifting mindsets and reframing ‘behaviour’

Recognising ableism and breaking down what is meant by Neuro affirming

Focus on strategies and approaches

The course has been written primarily for Headteachers and SENCOs but is suitable for anyone working in education. It is suitable for early years, primary and secondary years.

Course Components

Two x 2.5 hour session delivered by two specialist practitioners of the Everything Autism clinical team (participants must attend both sessions)

A mix of taught and practical components with a relaxed presentation style which ensures participants are able to effectively meet their own needs throughout, i.e. take movement breaks, access to fidgets and toilet breaks as needed