Course Outline:
Introduction:
• Surprising Statistics
• What is autism?
• Neuro-typical versus neuro-divergent brains
• Diagnoses old and new
• What is an accommodation?
Characteristics & Challenges
• Difficulty with eye contact
• What is stimming?
• Pattern seeking
• Hyper-sensitivity
• Sensory seekers vs sensory avoiders
• What is masking and why it is detrimental?
Character Strengths:
• Attention to detail
• Intense Focus
• Innovative
• Logical
• Honest
• Reliable
• Special Interests
• Tapping into the brilliance
Social/Communication Challenges & Best Practices
• Gaining and maintaining engagement
• First name
• Hobbies & special interests
• Shared activity
• Presume competence
• Clear straight-forward language
• Say less
• Give pause to process
• Limit verbal instructions
• Processing questions
• Use visual aids
• Recap conversations & meetings
Managing Executive Function Challenges
• What is Executive Function?
• Help prioritize tasks
• Benefits of written instructions
• Limit verbal instructions
• Block off time
• Provide advance notice of changes
• Do not micro-manage if possible
• Open communication
Employment Accommodations
• Alternatives to a traditional interview
• Offer a trial period
• Provide a mentor
• Offer a quiet place
• Clean and organized workplace
• Sensory friendly workplace
• Work from home