The day will look at the underpinnings of neurodiversity both from what is happening in the brain and the sensory systems as these areas are vital to understand as they are the foundations of working with a neurodivergent person.
We will also look into what difficulties neurodivergent people can face when it comes to communication, processing and understanding other people.
Once we understand the ‘why’s’, we can work on ways of supporting so we are able to have the best chance of connecting and helping.
There will be some activity work as part of the day and we will look at our own biases and assumptions to see what we are able to change in order to connect and understand the Neurodivergent mind.
Course Outline
9.00 – 9.15 Welcome and outline of the day
9.15 – 10.15 What is Neurodiversity? Looking at the way the brain is wired, characteristics of ADHD and Autism and current theories.
10.15 – 10.30 Break
10.30 – 11.30 Looking at the sensory world and how it can differ for a Neurodivergent person
11.30 – 11.45 Break
11.45 – 12.30 Anxiety, Trauma and Neurodiversity.
12.30 – 1.30 Lunch Break
1.30 – 2.45 Communication – common difficulties for Neurodivergent people navigating a world geared up for ‘neurotypical’ interactions.
2.45 – 3.00 Break
3.00 – 4.30 Bringing together the day and looking at the therapeutic environment – barriers to support and connection
4.30 – 5pm Questions and End
Date: Friday 27 November
Time: 9am-5pm
Venue: This training will be run in person in our Garden Room at Wellspring House, 78 High Street, Starbeck, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG2 7LW.
Cost: £125
Please note that numbers are limited to 16 people and places will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Your place can only be confirmed upon receipt of payment.
About the trainer Jemma Swales
I am a trained and experienced professional, offering support to autistic individuals and their families. I have been working with people on the spectrum since the completion of my Psychology Degree in 2006. I worked at a day service in London for adults with autism, primarily as a care worker and latterly, was given the post of ‘Positive Behaviour Support Coordinator’. In this role, I was responsible for working with each of the 40 service users to produce behavioural plans, support the care team with any behavioural challenges and to work with the psychology team to devise strategies to support each individual. During my time at the service, I completed a post-graduate certificate in autism from the University of Birmingham.
Following my time at the day service, I worked as a transition coordinator for Hertfordshire County Council. I worked with families to support them with the beginning stages of transition from children’s services to adult, helping them set up direct payments, develop care plans and arrange respite support. I worked with a range of disabilities and was often called on by my co-workers to support them with more complex cases involving those on the autistic spectrum.
Since 2011, I have been working as a self-employed autism practitioner in the Cumbria area. My service offers person-centred home support which is not constrained by time limits. In 2013 I co-founded Autus Cumbria Ltd, a not-for-profit organisation support individuals and families in the local area.
I have training in areas covering, OCD, anxiety, Intensive Interaction, epilepsy management, Makaton, positive dynamic handling and first aid. I have experience working with conditions such as OCD and chronic anxiety and with behaviour such as self-harming, ‘violence’ towards the self and others and sexualised behaviour.
I work alongside Dr Phoebe Caldwell who has over 40 years’ experience working with autistic people and is one of the pioneers of intensive interaction and I am one of the co-authors of a new book, Responsive Communication.
Cancellation Policy:
If you need to cancel your place: Cancellations made more than one calendar month prior to the course date – you will receive a full refund. Cancellations made less than one calendar month prior to the course date – you will be refunded as above, but ONLY where we are able to fill your place from our waiting list.
