O2 Curriculum to Empower Parents of Children with Autism (ASD)

Empowering Parents to support their children with Autism (ASD) Newry Childrens Centre Northern Ireland Saturday 21 January 2017 – 5 hours 25 parents Module 1 aims to enhance parental knowledge about ASD and how they can support their child using a range of strategies. Participatory evaluation exercise

Module 1: Learning Outcomes Improve understanding of how to support your child with ASD in and out of school Improve understanding of how to integrate visual strategies, communication and sensory activities to create an autism friendly environment Develop a better understanding of how to incorporate strategies into daily life Develop an understanding of how to use strategies to manage behaviour, improve social skills and determine the highest level of independence for an individual child Increase awareness of individualisation rather than a “one size fits all”.  

Participative Evaluation - Rating Scale

Module Lesson Plan - Empowering Parents to support their children with Autism (ASD) – 5 hours Content Activities Resources Introduction and background to SEKA project Aims and Learning Outcomes Name badges   Introductions Ground rules Participants talk to person next to them and introduce their partner to the group (Pre test) Baseline evaluation of Skills Knowledge Confidence Participative Evaluation activity ‘How I see myself in effectively supporting my child with ASD’ Put up a sheet on the poster scaled from 1 to 5. Give each participant 3 different coloured post it notes Green – confidence Yellow – knowledge Pink – skill And ask them to rate themselves on the scale on the poster as to how they currently support their child with ASD? FC paper coloured postits/pens Camera Photograph of completed pre test by parents Parents thoughts/definition of ASD Brainstorming – small groups and feedback to large group FC paper and pens Formal definition of ASD Triad of impairments • Social Communication • Social Interaction Imagination What is Communication How Why Powerpoint (PPt)/ tutor talk Group discussion Focus on the individuality of each child

Pre - test

Module Lesson Plan - Empowering Parents to support their children with Autism (ASD) – 5 hours Formal definition of ASD Triad of impairments • Social Communication • Social Interaction Imagination What is Communication How Why   Powerpoint (PPt)/ tutor talk Group discussion Focus on the individuality of each child Activity Participants to organise themselves in a line in order of birthday month WITHOUT SPEAKING. Tutor draw out importance of communicating in different ways other than words – body language, gestures, facial expressions. Early signs of Autism Signs and symptoms of Autism in babies, toddlers and older children Common Behaviours PPT TT Small group discussion Implementation of Chill Skills Strategies Parents try out the chill skills and identify those which could work with their children Fizzy Lemonade Butterflies Thumb Massage Icy breathes Handout describing 10 possible activities (tutor to choose 4) ‘Relax Kids’

Module Lesson Plan - Empowering Parents to support their children with Autism (ASD) – 5 hours Triad of impairments continued Imagination Structure Specially Designed Visual Tools/ strategies Visual methods of communication PPT /TT Discussion What works?   Tutor to bring examples of commercially produced schedules, timetables and visual strategies Activity Practical strategies for parents re supporting the development of their child’s communication, social and learning skills Parents produce own versions of schedules, timetables and visual strategies eg for bedtime/mealtime Tutor can bring homemade examples Sensory, malleable materials eg squeezy balls Paper card, treasury tags, and Velcro, scissors, pens, glue sticks, cardboard boxes Process of assessment in NI TT/ Group discussion Handout 6 Steps of Autism Care in NI Educational Services in NI TT/ Discussion/Signposting Importance of visiting schools to identify the right school for the child – school attended relies on the statement – can take up to 26 weeks Discussion – benefits of special schools v inclusion in mainstream schools Website references

Module Lesson Plan - Empowering Parents to support their children with Autism (ASD) – 5 hours Supporting parents in preparing for their child’s transition to primary education PPt/TT Different types of educational facilities available in NI   Example of IEP Example of Transition forms used for schools This is me booklet Development of parents’ booklet Small groups discuss priorities for inclusion within an A5 booklet for parents FC/pens Autism books and leaflets Variety of SEN materials Handout of basic strategies to support a child with ASD (Post test) Baseline evaluation of Skills Knowledge Confidence Revisit participative evaluation exercise and ask parents to now rate themselves after completion of module FC pens and postits Photograph of completed post test SEKA Evaluation form Parents complete formal evaluation SEKA evaluation forms All countries will use a post training data collection sheet to show 70% satisfaction from parents. Separate data collection evaluation summary

Post - test

Pre and post tests

SUMMARY of RESPONSES from EVALUATION FORMS Achieved target Responses 100% very good or above How would you rate the following? Excellent Very Good Fair Poor   1. The trainers were able to put the message across clearly and explain the issues 23 (92%) 2 (8%) 2 I now understand how I can help my child 13 (52%) 12 (48%) 3. The stated objectives were met 20 (80%) 5 (20%) 4.The information provided was relevant and supportive to me 5. There was enough time for questions and discussion with other participants 22 (88%) 3 (12%) 6. The training resources such as handouts are helpful and easy to understand? 19 (76%) 6 (24%) 7. There was a good balance of theory and practice 21 (84%) 4 (16%) 8. The suitability of the venue including room layout, toilets, parking, refreshments