Course Dates
Summer Term: 1 July - 23 August
Currently enrolling
Subsidised places still available
Award: Continuing Professional Development Certificate
“There is a lot of real-life cases detailed with makes understanding Asperger Syndrome easier.”
Including and Supporting Students with Asperger syndrome in Mainstream Schools
Course Overview
This course was developed by Dr. Moya O’Brien and Miriam Twomey, together with a panel of experienced educators. Dr. Moya O’Brien has over 25 years experience working in the area of Autistic Spectrum Disorders and is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst. Miriam Twomey is an educator who has been working directly with children, families and schools for many years.
A neurologically-based disorder with serious educational and social implications, Asperger syndrome is one of a number of ‘hidden’ disabilities, and often goes undetected even in adulthood. The incidence of Asperger’s is currently thought to be in the region of 2.6 per 10,000, with a much higher ratio of boys to girls. While these are official statistics, the actual prevalence is likely to be much higher. Because there is no obvious language delay and these children are high functioning, children with Asperger syndrome are often not diagnosed until late childhood when the child comes into contact with peers and their deficits in social skills become prominent. The educational support of students with Asperger syndrome can prove challenging to both schools and teachers. This course seeks to address this need by increasing awareness, knowledge and skills in the area of Asperger syndrome through the provision of a comprehensive, effective, and highly supportive, online training option.
Who is this course aimed at?
This course is designed to give teachers, parents and other professionals in health and education settings the understanding and practical skills essential to supporting children and young people with autism. It is relevant to SNAs, educational psychologists, social care workers, local authority support team members, learning support staff and allied professionals.
Key Course Information
- The course comprises 5 interactive learning modules, each taking approximately four hours online study time to complete, or 20 hours in total
- Learning is self-paced, allowing you to design your own study schedule around existing commitments, and giving you total freedom and flexibility
- On completion of the course you will receive a Certificate of Continuing Professional Development and a Learning Log of your course work which can be included in your CPD portfolio
- This course is approved by the Department of Education and Skills. Three EPV days are allowed for primary school teachers who take the course during the summer term. Please note this provision applies only to the summer term as per Department guidelines.
- Completion of a Reflective Assignment gives you the opportunity to analyse the key learning points from the course and how they can be applied in your classroom over the year ahead
- Participants are encouraged to interact with each other via the online discussion forum, allowing learners to enter active discussions with their colleagues and receive feedback from the expert course tutors.
Course Content
This course is suitable for teachers, parents and other professionals and will explore Asperger syndrome in terms of its social and educational implications. You will gain skills in recognising the strengths, differences and difficulties that these children present with, assessing their learning needs, and learn how to develop strategies for intervening in the area of communication and socialisation. You will also gain an insight into the lived experience of children and young people with Asperger syndrome by reviewing personal, professional and family perspectives on the issue.
A range of issues will be examined throughout the course; from the pathways and processes involved in identification and diagnostic assessment, to the manifestation of common differences and difficulties, and the educational and behavioural vulnerabilities, strengths and challenges associated with Asperger’s. The course will also focus on practical strategies and evidence-based approaches to support learning, promote personal development, and address the challenges that may emerge across these students’ school careers. Topics will include; language and communication, theory of mind, social isolation, teasing and bullying, special interests, cognitive abilities, motor and sensory differences, individual and family perspectives on Asperger syndrome, best practice approaches to educational support, and individual educational planning for students with Asperger syndrome.
Tuition and Support
- Specialised tutors working in the area of learning disabilities will provide you with individual support and guidance as you complete your studies online
- Technical support is provided by our dedicated team of qualified learning technologists, who can be contacted by telephone or email.
Assessment & Award:
Each student is required to complete the following items
- Interactive Learning Assignment per module
- Reflective Assignment
- Completion of CPD record
On successful completion of the course, students will receive a Certificate of Professional Development. A CPD Record that includes reflective assignments and course work contributions can be printed off for addition to a CPD portfolio.
Fees
Subsidised Course Fee: €150
Full Course Fee: €330
Currently employed teachers in the Republic of Ireland are eligible for subsidised fees. Please note that the number of subsidised places is limited and the full fee will apply once these places are filled.
How to Enrol?
Places are limited so early booking is advised.
To book a place, click here or use the Enrol Now button in the Course Option Menu on right of page. Alternatively phone 01 6510618, or email:
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For Group Enrolment, Invoice Request and Payment by Employers or Organisations, please click here.
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