This is a two day course designed to empower teachers with the knowledge of how language is typically acquired, the differences in how children with autism acquire language, how language proficiency impacts on learning and which components of language are important to consider in the classroom.

The Presenter is Ms. Pamela Raftery, Speech and Language Therapist, Arc Speech and Language Clinic.

Expected Outcomes

Participants will:

• will gain information on the dynamics of communication
• will have opportunities to practice strategies that will help them to feel confident in formulating and implementing communication goals for students

Course Overview / Content

The course provides teachers with the knowledge of how language is typically acquired, the differences in how children with autism acquire language, how language proficiency impacts on learning and which components of language are important to consider in the classroom.

The course also provides practical strategies for use with early communicators such as:

• Useful strategies for enhancing communication drawn from evidence based programmes such as the Hanen “More Than Words” programmewww.hanen.org
• Practical ideas for teaching language concepts in the classroom
• Guidance in sourcing appropriate language resources for use in the classroom
• An overview of parent programmes/resources that would be helpful to parents.

Information for Applicants

This course is open to:

• Teachers working in units/classes for student(s) with ASD in a mainstream setting
• Teachers in special schools who are currently working with student(s) with ASD
• Full-time Resource/Learning Support teachers who are currently working with student(s) with ASD

Registration: 8.45 AM
Start: 9.15 AM
Finish: 3.15 PM
Refreshments and lunch will be provided.

Participants will require permission from the Board of Management to attend. Typically, substitution for this seminar will only be allowed to classroom teachers who have primary responsibility for students with a special educational need and if it is deemed absolutely essential by the principal.

Booking Details