Social Skills, Post Primary

Summary Description

This one- day course is available for Post-Primary teachers. It explores the importance of developing social skills with pupils with Autism. Participants will focus on assessment, strategies and programmes which enhance the social skills development of the pupil with Autism.

Anticipated Outcomes

Participants will:

• Explore the importance of developing social skills

• Develop an understanding of how Autism effects the social skills development of pupils

• Focus on the assessment of social skills

• Examine social skills programme development

• Discuss practical strategies and approaches which enable pupils with Autism to acquiring social skills

• Contribute to discussion during workshops

Course Outline and Content

• The importance of social skills development

• Social difficulties experienced by pupils with Autism and how these have an impact on the overall development of the pupil

• Environmental social skills and social interaction skills

• Assessment and planning for social skills programme

• Collaboration and peer support

• Pupil Passports and long-term social skills development

• Focusing on particular skills and strategies to enhance social interaction

• Brief overview of Carol Gray’s Social Stories TM

Information for Applicants

The course is open to

• Teachers working in classes for student(s) with Autism in a mainstream setting
• Teachers in special schools who are currently working with student(s) with Autism
• Full-time Special Education Teachers who are currently working with student(s) with Autism
• Participants will require permission from the Board of Management to attend. Typically, substitution for this seminar will only be allowed to subject teachers with primary responsibility for students with a special educational need and if it is deemed absolutely essential by the Principal
• Typically substitution will only be allocated to non - substitute teachers
• Payment is not available to teachers in a substitute capacity

Refreshments and lunch will be provided