Training Opportunities
Understanding Autism Pack
Understanding autism training pack aims to enable staff to develop a greater understanding of autistic people with an opportunity to relate the training to the people known by the learners. The training has been created alongside autistic people with the intention of hearing the autistic voice throughout the training. This training maps against Tier 2 and 3 of the Autism Core Capabilities Framework.
Neurodiversity, Eating and Drinking Training
Provides an insight into how to support a neurodivergent person who experiences differences with their eating and drinking. The training looks at the influence of sensory processing differences, biological differences, and the impact of the environment. The training aims to help learners understand why a person may make specific choices around their eating drinking. The training discusses when it is appropriate to consider interventions and how these can be utilised. If you require further training, please contact us directly.
Autism and sensory processing differences considers the different experiences of autistic people. The training looks at all 8 senses and considers how developing an understanding of sensory processing is likely to improve how we can support autistic people. By supporting the person with their sensory environment and interoception this can lead to improved outcomes for the person.
An introduction to neurodiversity in the workplace. A short webinar explaining neurodiversity and highlighting some simple changes which may support neurodivergent people within the work place. We discuss how neuroinclusive practices are likely to benefit all employees. The training includes true stories about some of the experiences of neurospicy people
Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training in Autism and Learning Disabilities
Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training learning and disabilities on autism.
The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training in learning disabilities and autism has been developed to provide training to health and social care practitioners enabling them to have an increased understanding and skill set when engaging with autistic people and those who have a learning disability.
Research shows that autistic people and those who have a learning disability are more likely to die earlier than the general public, evidence suggests that effective training can improve care and support and reducing health inequalities. The Health and Social Care Act and the outcomes identified by regulators such as CQC states that staff should receive training that is appropriate to their role. The Code of Practice suggests that training should be co-produced and co-developed, Oliver McGowan’s training has also been evaluated by the National Development Team for Inclusion.
The Oliver McGowan Training in Learning disability and autism provides free tier 1 training accessed via their website The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism – elearning for healthcare (e-lfh.org.uk)
Please use the contact us button, for the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training in Autism and Learning Disabilities, Tier 2 or the Facilitators training courses.
Other training:
Sexuality and relationships
Spicy Zebra are able to provide opportunities to meet the outcomes identified through the NDTi document Supporting_people_to_develop_relationships_Report.pdf (ndti.org.uk), which suggests that a multifaceted approach should be made towards supporting autistic people and those who have a learning disability to enable them to develop a sexual relationship. This is achieved through the following approaches:
Attitudes: Staff sessions which enable positive attitudes towards appropriate sexual expression. (Healey et al, 2009). Opportunities for staff to further develop their understanding of sexuality and relationships.
Sex Education: Opportunities to further develop an understanding around sex education and relationships (Healy et al, 2009; Wright, 2011).
When these are delivered alongside safe places for people to meet, strategies and proactive approaches by the service providers this is likely to enable autistic persons and those with who have a learning disability to be supported to form and maintain relationships.
Opportunities for staff members:
Confidence sessions and networking
Sexualities and relationships is a topic that staff members find difficult to discuss this maybe due to the person’s experiences or their unconscious bias. This session offers an opportunity for the staff members to gain confidence and experience of discussing the topic’s that they may experience difficulties discussing with the person(s) they support. The session may challenge an individual’s perceptions and help develop an open, tolerant, and progressive approach.
These sessions can be offered at regular intervals to enable staff members to develop their knowledge and understanding over time.
Ideally the first session would be completed face to face but follow up sessions could be remotely.
1:1 reflective practice sessions could be made available for staff members who are supporting.
Facilitation of Skills for Care: The Relationship and Sexuality – awareness raising for social care staff training course.
Summary:
- The training course is equivalent to 1-day session but can be divided into modules.
- The training can be delivered face to face or online.
- Support sessions and confidence building sessions can be offered to support the reflect the on-going knowledge and skills.
Learning outcomes
- To be knowledgeable about the impact of sex and relationships on wellbeing.
- To be clear about the role of social care staff in supporting opportunities to develop healthy relationships and positive sexual expression.
- To have a basic understanding of legislation in the area of social care and sexual activity.
- To gain an understanding of the key issues to consider when faced with a dilemma involving relationships and/or sexuality.
- To have considered the role of family members in supporting independent, adult relationships.
- To understand safeguarding, sexual safety and positive risk taking, in respect of sexuality and relationships.
The training is divided into 4 modules and can be delivered within one day or divided to meet the needs of the learners.
The four modules are:
- Understanding sexuality and relationships: barriers, benefits, and the impact of staff values
- Roles, regulations and the law.
- Sexual safety and autonomy.
- Practical approaches to relationships and sexuality support.
For more information see: Relationships and sexuality awareness raising training programme_facilitators guide (skillsforcare.org.uk)
For the person’s supported
Sexuality and Relationship Social Group and Support.
A social group with a group session focusing on topics reflecting sexuality and relationships.
Attendees will be enabled to develop friendships within the group and where possible supported to exchange contact details to enable their friendships to continue.
Sex education
The sessions are factual and evidence-based to provide an accurate understanding of relationships and sexuality. These topic’s should reflect the attendee’s needs and may include:
Relationships:
Different types of relationships e.g. family, friendship, acquaintance, on-line and sexual. The expectations of these relationships.
Support with identifying places the person can find relationships.
Sexual identity: This includes looking at the media portrayal of sexuality. An opportunity to discuss concerns and questions. To look at what’s real and challenge that sometimes the media provides inaccurate portrayal.
Links to local support services if the person requires.
Consent: what this means, it’s ok to say no, and the right to change your mind.
What to do if you don’t want to consent.
Sessions will be based on curriculums such as: Initmate Relationships and Sexual Health: A curriculum for Teaching Adolescents / Adults and the ESPA, Autism Relationships and Friendships and Sexuality course materials will be adapted to meet the needs of the group.
All costs included are estimated therefore please contact Spicy Zebra to discuss in greater depth.
Introduction to Neurodiversity and business training