Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders

Special education teachers Dubravka Sečen Rosso and Kristina Lera have participated

in the course 'Understanding autism spectrum disorders - Introduction and interventions,

from 28th of November until 2nd of December. The course was held in Prague, Czech Republic, and it was

organized by ShipCon Limassol Ltd.

The trainer of the course was Jacqui Ashton Smith (Dr). Jacqui has over 35 years of experience in the field of education, autism and SEN. She has presented at numerous conferences world wide, delivered international training and consultancy and post graduate training at a number of universities in the UK, Europe and Japan.

The course lasted for 5 days, from Monday to Friday. During the course we have learned about :

  • Autism Facts and Myths Quizz

  • The Autism Spectrum – Kanners and Asperger

  • Causation – co morbidity with other conditions

  • Theory of mind

  • Introduction to Ritualistic and Obsessive behaviours

  • Managing the Sensory Environment to reduce behaviours

  • Introduction of the techniques for identifying and managing behaviours

  • Managing and structuring the Environment

  • What is challenging behaviour? - Different forms of challenge.

  • Our responses to challenging behaviour

  • Can’t or Won’t – Putting context to behaviour

  • Prevention & Introduction to Social Stories

  • Identifying and Managing Risk

The golas of the course were:

  • Understanding of the key features of the autism spectrum and seeing the world from the point of view of the autistic individual

  • Learn the strategies required to enable individuals to achieve their full potential- socially, emotionally, academically and vocationally

  • Learn to identify the causes behind behaviours and the strategies to support individuals in the self management of these

  • Understand the complexities of the autism spectrum and an overview of current thinking in terms of diagnosis, neurodiversity, co-morbidity, cognition and gender

We were amazed by the instructor and organization of the course. Even though we feel that we already had an extensive amount of knowledge about autism, we have gained a lot more! We have learned about organisation of the classrooms and learning enviroments in other countires and that gave us ideas for imrpovement in our own classrooms. We came home with a lot of ideas, motivation and great feelings!

Prague, capital city of the Czech Republic, is located by the Vltava River. It's known for its Old Town Square, the heart of its historic core, with colorful baroque buildings, Gothic churches and the medieval Astronomical Clock, which gives an animated hourly show. Completed in 1402, pedestrian Charles Bridge is lined with statues of Catholic saints.

Prague is also a modern and vibrant city full of energy, music, cultural art and fine dining.

Each of Prague’s districts has its own characteristics, atmosphere, and unique charm. It's a city that has everything for everybody!