Understanding Autism and Anxiety in the Early Years

Who is this module for? 

This module is aimed at all education professionals working in the Early Years, which includes childminders, preschools, nurseries and school reception classes. 

Description 

Anxiety is one of the top concerns for autistic people, their families, and the professionals who work with them. By listening to the voices of those with lived experience, we were able to create a module that helps others to understand how anxiety can impact on an autistic child’s daily life. The module will help you to think about the reasonable adjustments that can be made to support young autistic children, with the aim of creating long lasting impactful change to the Early Years environment. 

The aims

• To increase your expertise in being able to recognise the causes of anxiety in young autistic children. ​  
• To develop your skills in identifying how an autistic child might express their anxiety. ​  
• To help you become more aware of your own actions and how these can impact on a child’s level of anxiety.    
• To develop your understanding of the reasonable adjustments you can make to prevent and reduce a child's anxiety. 

Learning objectives 

• Understand that autism is a difference rather than a deficit or disorder.  
• Recognise the Three Areas of Difference in autism and how these can impact on a child’s levels of anxiety. 
• Recognise the first step to helping a child is to learn about them, their triggers and their preferred means of support.​ 
• Reflect on your practice and implement reasonable adjustments to reduce anxiety in autistic children.

Session length

The length of the training session will depend on the training partner delivering the session. Please get in touch with them directly to enquire about this. If you can't see their contact details, please search for your local training partner and enquire.