Course | Autism Essentials

Description

Your essential Autism primer. A course on Autism, developed by Autistic people and informed by research.

This is a free, self-paced course that provides a solid understanding of Autism in a way that is neuro-affirming. This means Reframing Autism talks about Autism and Autistic people in a way that is respectful of who they are, their strengths and their challenges, and does not prioritise non-Autistic ways of being, thinking and doing.

With over 13,000 registrations since its launch last year, Autism Essentials has become one of Reframing Autism's most popular learning opportunities to date.

Who is Autism Essentials For?

This course is designed for a wide variety of lived experiences as well as different levels of pre-existing knowledge about Autism - from those that are totally new to the topic to those that have formal education in Autism.

Whether you are Autistic, formally diagnosed, self-identified or think you might be Autistic, a family member or loved one of an Autistic person, a researcher, teacher, other professional, or ally, Reframing Autism hopes you learn something new or deepen and extend your existing knowledge of Autism and the Autistic community.

What Will I Learn in Autism Essentials?

Autism Essentials focuses on five main areas:
• Language
• What is Autism?
• Brain Differences
• Communication and Socialising
• Thinking and Processing

Course Curriculum

• Introduction
Welcome to the Course
Acknowledgement of Country
About Reframing Autism
How to Use This Course
Learning Outcomes
Introduction

• Language
Person-First vs Identity-First Language
Pathologising Language
Summary and Activities

• What is Autism?
Neurodiversity
An Autistic Perspective on Autism
Summary and Activities

• Brain Differences
Autistic Brain Differences
Summary and Activities

• Communication and Socialising
Double Empathy
Autistic Communication
Autistic Socialising
Summary and Activities

• Thinking and Processing
Cognition and Executive Functioning Differences
Sensory Differences
Summary and Activities

• Conclusion
Conclusion
Next Steps
Implicit Bias Research
Feedback

This is a General Course for Everyone, How Can I Make Sure That It Works for Me?

All learners access the same base information in the course, but each topic has multiple worksheets available for different levels of knowledge about Autism. You can choose to complete the level that best fits your knowledge, complete all worksheets, or return to the course work later on in your journey and continue your learning by completing further levels. Reframing Autism encourages you to learn in your own time and customise your learning in a way that works for you.

What is the Format of This Course – Is It Accessible?

This course features video content and accompanying worksheets. All videos are captioned and have downloadable transcripts. Course worksheets are available in PDF format and can be filled out digitally using a web browser or PDF editor or printed and filled out.

Do You Collect My Answers to the Course Content?

Reframing Autism does not collect your answers – this is a self-guided course, and worksheet activities are for your personal reflection only.

Do I Get a Professional Development Certificate at the End of This Course?

No, this course does not provide a professional development certificate as it is designed as a self study course. If you would like a professional development certificate, you can purchase Autism Essentials + Professional Development Certificate on Reframing Autism's website.

What if I Want to Learn More After Doing Autism Essentials – What Can I Do Next?

Reframing Autism has many other resources available, including blogs, podcasts, tip sheets, webinars, and targeted, on-demand courses for Autistics, families and primary caregivers and professionals.

The creation of this course was funded by the Australian Department of Social Services.