CBT TRAINING PROGRAM FOR AUTISTIC CHILDREN WITH ANXIETY

ONLINE COURSE: Fun with Feelings Training in a CBT Programme for Young Autistic Children with Anxiety

$172.50

Details

5 hours 14 mins
60 days to complete course (from date of purchase). A once-off 30-day extension is available. See our FAQs for further information.
Downloadable PDFs
Certificate of completion
Suitable for professionals

The Purpose

The purpose of the training is to equip parents, teachers and mental health professionals to utilize the strategies described in our Fun with Feelings programme to decrease anxiety in young children with both anxiety and autism.

Who will benefit?

For parents and carers: To deepen understanding of their child and to equip them with a successful approach and specific strategies at home to reduce their child’s anxiety and to empower their child to understand and articulate their feelings.
For clinicians: To be able to successfully deliver the Fun with Feelings programme with an autistic child, in a clinic or school setting, and to teach and support parents to utilize the programme with their autistic child at home.

Description

Participants will be trained in how to use the Fun with Feelings programme, which is a ten-stage programme to assist autistic children aged 4-8 years old to understand and manage anxiety. Fun with Feelings is based on a deep understanding of autistic individuals, successful clinical research trials of the programme, and cognitive and behavioural principles.

Fun with Feelings was designed to be utilized by parents and carers with their child, in a home setting, but can also be delivered directly to the parent and child within a school or clinic setting. Participants are trained in each of the therapeutic activities that comprise the ten stage programme. The first five stages prepare parents to implement the Fun with Feelings programme with their child, helping them to understand the causes of their child’s anxiety and how to reduce it. The last five stages of the programme are used with the child using the Having Fun with Feelings workbook to help the child to better recognize and process their own emotions.

About the speakers

Prof Tony Attwood PhD With a remarkable career spanning five decades, Professor Tony Attwood is one of the world’s foremost specialists on Autism. Holding an Honour’s degree in Psychology from the University of Hull, a Master’s degree in clinical psychology from the University of Surrey, and a PhD from the University of London, his credentials are a testament to his expertise. Currently serving as an adjunct Professor at Griffith University in Queensland, Professor Attwood’s impact has enriched the global understanding of autism.

Alongside Dr Michelle Garnett, Professor Attwood co-founded Attwood & Garnett Events in 2019, driven by the shared goal of enhancing autism awareness and understanding. Their shared vision seeks to reshape the narrative surrounding autism to create a world where autism is embraced, and the diverse strengths, talents, and perspectives of autistic individuals are celebrated. This transformative narrative fosters a more inclusive and accepting society, benefitting all its members.

Renowned for his extensive contributions to understanding Asperger’s Syndrome, now commonly referred to as autism, Professor Attwood has authored numerous publications on the subject. His seminal book, Asperger’s Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals debuted in 1998, resonated globally and has since found its voice in over 25 languages, making his insights accessible across cultures and continents.

With a dedicated commitment to practical application, he has run a private practice for 30 years, only recently closing his books due to a long waiting list. Beyond his clinical work, he dedicates significant time to travel, sharing insights and knowledge through workshops and seminars across national and international platforms.

Dr Michelle Garnett PhD is a clinical psychologist with more than 30 years of specialising in autism. In 2005, she founded Minds & Hearts, a clinic specialised to autism, where she served as Clinical and Managing Director for 14 years until 2019. Alongside Tony Attwood she co-founded Attwood & Garnett Events in 2019, aiming to enhance autism awareness and understanding with a vision to foster a neuro-affirming community.

In addition to her extensive private practice, Dr Garnett has significantly contributed to autism research, authored influential books, and engaged in impactful speaking engagements. Her peer-reviewed research has informed our understanding of early autism identification, the female autism profile, and the link between mental health and positive outcomes in autistic individuals. She has co-authored six respected books on autism, including the influential Spectrum Women: Walking to the Beat of Autism (2018) with Barb Cook, a seminal work on the female autism experience. Her recent books, Having Fun with Feelings on the Autism Spectrum and Ten Steps to Reducing Your Child’s Anxiety on the Autism Spectrum offer invaluable guidance to parents of young autistic children.

Dr Garnett is a sought-after presence in academic circles, presenting as a Keynote Speaker at conferences and conducting workshops, seminars, and training sessions on autism across Australia, the UK, and Europe. Her influence extends to universities, autism organisations, government, and non-governmental bodies, solidifying her reputation as a prominent figure in the autism field.

Learning Objectives

Knowledge of the latest research and best clinical practice for autism and anxiety in young children.
How to recognize and assess both the conventional signs of anxiety in young children and the signs of anxiety specific to autistic children.
To understand the reasons an autistic child often experiences high levels of anxiety.
To be able to utilize environmental accommodations, and strategies for both the parents and child to reduce anxiety for the child across home and other settings.
For parents and carers: To deepen understanding of their child and to equip them with a successful approach and specific strategies at home to reduce their child’s anxiety and to empower their child to understand and articulate their feelings.
For clinicians: To be able to successfully deliver the Fun with Feelings programme with an autistic child, in a clinic or school setting, and to teach and support parents to utilize the programme with their autistic child at home.

The Teaching Process:

The workshop includes a combination of didactic teaching, case studies and Q&A. Participants attend via link to a live presentation. They have access to a chat room where they can ask questions at any time. There is an opportunity to learn from workshop participants, as well as the trainers.

Participants may purchase the Fun with Feelings Parent Manual and the Fun with Feelings Kids Activity book if they do not already have them. On purchase of a ticket to this event, the participant will receive a 15% discount code and link to purchase these titles from Woodslane (if you are living in Australia or NZ) or the Jessica Kingsley Publisher website if you are in the UK:

10 Steps to Reducing Your Child’s Anxiety on the Autism Spectrum: The CBT-Based ‘Fun with Feelings’ Parent Manual by Michelle Garnett, Tony Attwood, Julia Cook, Louise Ford and Stefanie Runham, published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers, Web: www.jkp.com

Having Fun with Feelings on the Autism Spectrum: A CBT Activity Book for Kids Age 4-8 by Michelle Garnett, Tony Attwood, Julia Cook, Louise Ford and Stefanie Runham, published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers, Web: www.jkp.com

OR:

Fun with Feelings on the Autism Spectrum (Parent Manual and Child CBT Activity Book Two Book set), Web: www.jkp.com