Autism Support
Autism support with Autism 360
At Autism 360, we provide informative group webinars, that we like to call 'Power Hours'. These sessions are designed around the various components of the SPECTRUM framework, tailored to meet the specific support needs of autistic people.
Each Power Hour session lasts for 1 hour and is conveniently conducted via Zoom. You can secure your spot for a session below, or continue reading to learn more about the SPECTRUM framework and our Power Hour topics.
Our Power Hours Explained
Click on the drop downs below to find out more about each session.
What is the session about?
Transitions can represent a ‘bridge of uncertainty’ from routine and structure into the unknown. This session will explore common transitions that children and young people experience across development and offer tried and tested strategies to support. It will also signpost to a range of online resources that will help you to understand and plan transitions more effectively.
Why it is important?
It is widely recognised that transitions can be difficult for autistic children and young people. In terms of thinking and processing there are clear explanations for these difficulties. Therefore, there are clear strategies to support transitions. Using personalised strategies will minimise anxiety and distress whilst optimising successful outcomes.
Who is it focused towards?
Parents /carers of autistic children and those working with children.
What is the session about?
The presentation aims to explain the links between autism and anxiety, how they may present individually or together. It will discuss how to identify anxiety triggers and outline strategies to support autistic individuals to manage anxiety.
Why is it important?
The National Autistic Society estimates that between 40-50% of autistic people experience high levels of anxiety. Identifying the correct diagnosis in a timely manner can decrease anxiety, ensure the right support is offered, improve mood, self-esteem, social functioning, communication, and quality of life.
Who is it focused towards?
Everyone.
What this session is about?
Environments can impact on the quality of life and well-being of autistic individuals. It is important to consider physical, social, and sensory spaces and how autistic people relate to and navigate through them. This session will introduce a framework that will help to understand and develop supportive environments.
Why is it important?
At Autism 360 we believe in acceptance and validation of autism and autistic people. If we are considering changes or intervention, it makes sense to do this in the wider environment through adaptation and accommodations that support the autistic person. There are general considerations around light, noise, use of physical space and people that can be taken into account. These need to be balanced with individual preferences in order to produce an optimal environment.
Who is it focused towards?
Everyone.
What the session is about:
The presentation will consider the links between communication and autism, providing an overview of key issues in development and offering some useful strategies or tips to support understanding and expression in autistic children.
Why is it important?
Communication is a core feature of autism and informs the diagnosis. It is also a key feature in determining good outcomes for autistic children, with tried and tested approaches that have a positive impact, including personalized and visual support.
Who it is for:
Anyone interested in the links between autism and communication.
What is SPECTRUM?
SPECTRUM
SPECTRUM is a framework based on the common and more prevalent support needs of autistic people.
It is a flexible framework that can be used in conjunction with other approaches, such as Positive Behaviour Support, capable environments and person-centred active support.
Each element of SPECTRUM can be prioritised for autistic people based on their current presentation and support needs.
Systems
Positive engagement
Environment
Communication
Transitions
Relationships
Underlying sensory needs
Managing emotions
All of our Power Hours, and indeed our whole aftercare approach, will be based around each of the different elements of the SPECTRUM framework.
The SPECTRUM element is communicated in the title of all our Power Hours to help you easily identify them.
We have made suggestions as to who each Power Hour may be most beneficial for. You are however welcome to attend any of the Power Hours if they have an interest for you.