Date:

Monday 11th March, 2024

Time:

4.00pm – 5.30pm

Venue:

The Autism Training Hub, Giant Steps, Gladesville, Sydney

Cost:

$30

Course Description

This session will support educators to further understand Autism. It will explore differences in the way Autistic children learn and engage with the world, considering the whole child. Suggestions for supports and strategies will be offered.

This session provides foundational understanding for educators that will be helpful for the future sessions in the five-part series.

Participants will:​

• Broaden their understanding of Autism to include the different strengths and preferences Autistic children have in thinking, socialising and processing information from the world around them​
• Explore some of the challenges that Autistic children may experience in your early childhood setting​
• Consider how practical supports and strategies might be implemented in your setting to enhance a child’s independence and engagement​

Presenter – Rachael Bowen

Rachael Bowen is a Speech Pathologist and teacher who has over 15 years’ experience working with young people with autism in educational settings. Rachael has a special interest in developing the functional communication needs of young people with autism. Rachael has been working on a number of special interest initiatives including establishing The Autism Hub, an information and resource sharing platform, and investigating the literacy profiles of minimally verbal children with autism including considerations for practice alongside Griffith University. Disseminating knowledge and practical strategies is a critical part of both of these projects so others working with individuals with autism are able to apply best practice frameworks and strategies that have a solid theoretical basis. Rachael has been involved in delivering professional learning for parents, teachers, and other professionals in a range of settings.

Presenter – Sarah Rawlins

Sarah holds a Master of Special Education, University of Newcastle, Bachelor of Education (Music Education), University of Sydney and a Graduate Certificate in Music Therapy.

Sarah is the Co-Director of Primary and has been working in the field of Special Education for over 15 years with a special interest in Early Childhood early intervention. She has worked closely with both families and mainstream Early Childhood education and care settings to foster and support successful partnerships and collaborative teams around the child and family.  Additionally, she has provided training and support to mainstream settings to build capacity and develop quality inclusive practices to support the inclusion of all children within Early Childhood settings.

For enquiries specific to this course please contact autismhub@giantsteps.net.au

The Autism Hub professional learning courses aim to increase participants knowledge and confidence to best support the learning of autistic children and adults. Proudly supported by Future Generation Australia.