Autism spectrum workshops aim to upskill professionals

Autism spectrum workshops aim to upskill education and health professionals

Altogether Autism will run a series of workshops to upskill education and health professionals working with those on the autism spectrum this November.

The Prism Professional Development workshops, to be held in Christchurch on 23 November, Wellington on 24 November and Auckland on 25 November, are targeted at educators, health professionals and any other professionals who interact with people on the autism spectrum. Workshop content will include up-to-date information on autism, as well as best-practice strategies and approaches for supporting people on the spectrum.

Catherine Trezona, Altogether Autism National Manager, says: “We want to share our evidence-based knowledge of autism with key people, such as educators and health professionals. The one-day workshops are designed to give participants increased confidence to interact in positive ways with people on the spectrum and their families.”

Ms Trezona says that the workshops will provide a safe and supportive environment for people to ask questions about autism.

“We know there’s a lot of information about autism available online but this is not all reliable. Our workshops – like our national information service – provide trusted information and strategies to generate positive outcomes for individuals and families living with autism in New Zealand.”

The workshops will be led by specialist facilitators, and participants will be provided with a comprehensive workbook and ongoing access to tailor-made information. In addition, every participant will be invited to join a virtual forum for professionals at the end of the workshop.

Altogether Autism is a free, nationwide autism spectrum disorder information and advisory service funded by the Ministry of Health. The Altogether Autism team have specialist training and knowledge in autism and have evidence-based and up-to-date sources for information including lived experience. Altogether Autism is a service provided as a partnership between the charitable trusts Life Unlimited and Parent to Parent New Zealand.

To book a place on a Prism Professional Development workshop call 0800 273 463 or visit www.altogetherautism.org.nz/prism-professional-development. The course costs $230 including GST and includes morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea.

ENDS

© Scoop Media