Description
Not being able to articulate thoughts, feelings, and choices using speech can lead to considerable distress for the autistic person and those who support them at home, school and in recreational and occupational activities. The distress can be expressed by agitated behaviour, destruction, and self-harm.
The distress can result in several issues, including exclusion from school and community events and burnout for parents, carers, and professionals.
The course will equip participants with an understanding of life as experienced by a non-speaking autistic person, the reasons for specific behavioural and emotional reactions and the creation of an individualised plan to enhance the quality of life and well-being.
Participants will learn practical strategies to encourage speech, the value of alternative and augmentative communication systems, how to acquire new abilities and coping mechanisms for accommodating changes in routines and expectations, sensory sensitivity, and social engagement, and how to express and regulate intense emotions constructively.
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. Dr Garnett is autistic and has ADHD, late diagnosed.
Learning Objectives
Participants will gain an increased understanding of severe speech and language disorders that co-occur with autism and how these can contribute to the emergence and maintenance of specific behaviour patterns. The programme is based on scientific research, clinical wisdom and autobiographies of autistic adults who were non-speaking in childhood.
Participants will develop an awareness of critical aspects of the learning profile associated with autism. Equipped with an understanding of how autistic individuals learn, participants can apply this knowledge to their teaching and support methods as parents, carers, teachers and therapists.
Intense interests or passions are often part of the autism profile. Participants will learn why they create and maintain their interests and when to re-direct or suggest alternative activities.
Social engagement issues are one of the defining features of autism and the source of considerable distress and confusion. Participants will leave the course with an understanding of the critical issues underlying social communication difficulties for a non-speaking autistic person and strategies for successful social engagement.
Some sensory experiences can be painful and overwhelming and critical in precipitating an emotional meltdown and avoidance behaviours. Participants will learn to recognise and assess the sensory processing differences associated with autism and create an autism-friendly sensory environment and strategies to cope with specific aversive sensory experiences.
Participants will learn why autistic people experience powerful emotions and exceptionally high levels of anxiety, which can underpin many of the behaviours associated with autism, such as an intolerance of uncertainty and imperfection, seeking routines and rituals and engaging in soothing motor movements.
Participants will leave the course understanding the neurology behind difficulties experiencing and expressing intense emotions. They will learn practical strategies to assist a non-speaking autistic person to manage their anger, anxiety and stress constructively. Participants will learn techniques for recognising the early signs of increasing agitation, how to intervene at each level and strategies for managing a meltdown.
Some of the issues non-speaking autistic people face that can lead to considerable distress are movement disorders such as apraxia and underlying medical problems such as epilepsy. The course covers various movement disorders and medical conditions associated with autism.
What You Will Receive
- The Live Training runs for 5.5 hours
- There is an opportunity for Q&A with Michelle and Tony throughout the day
- Downloadable Handouts to complement the course
- You may count 5.5 hours toward your CPD hours
- All attendees will be given access to the recording for 60 days after the event (accessed via the Member Dashboard). A once-off 30-day extension is available. See our FAQs for further information.
- Certificate of Attendance (upon request)
Within 24 hours, you will receive an email with your login credentials for the new Member Dashboard. If you haven’t received these details after 48 hours, please email events@attwoodandgarnettevents.com
The email will come from events@attwoodandgarnettevents.com and may go to your junk/spam/promotions folders.
Alternatively, make newsletter@attwoodandgarnettevents.com a Contact in your email contact list to ensure that you do not miss anything from us.
Discounts/Cancellation/Refund Policy
Please Note: The quickest and easiest way to book is online.
Discount: If you are a full time student requiring a discount please enquire about our student rate and send in a photocopy of your student ID card or if you are facing hardship please email events@attwoodandgarnettevents.com to apply for a discount.
For Cancellations: Up to 7 days notice payment will be refunded, minus a $50 administrative fee. At less than 7 days notice there will be no refund, but a credit note with Attwood and Garnett Events for future events, minus $50, will be issued. Attendance is fully transferable.
