Training Summary:

This course will offer participants an opportunity to develop a greater understanding and

perspective of the needs of autistic and other neurodivergent youth in their care and how

best to meet them respectfully to improve outcomes for system involved youth. We will

engage a variety of practical and useful direct support skills beneficial for these Residential

and Non-Public School staff to use to aid neurodiverse youth and their families to be safe

and successful. Thirdly, we will learn to assist system involved youth to self-advocate for

their needs in different settings.

Class Objectives:

? Participants will explore the differences and challenges faced by “literal communicators”

vs. “abstract communicators,” and the range of communication styles of system

involved youth in-between those extremes.

? Participants will learn about the wide variety of over and under stimulating environments

and possible co-occurring features of autism and their potential effects on affect,

behavior, and outcomes for system involved youth.

? Participants will practice utilizing and modeling various techniques useful in supporting

the emotional well-being and communication needs of neurodiverse system involved

youth in their care.

How can participants utilize their new skills and knowledge after the training to reinforce their learning?

Participants will be able to:

? Articulate and share with the system involved youth and their colleagues non-ablist

reframing and perspective taking techniques to support group behavioral expectations

in residential and non-public school settings.

? Develop stronger relationships and advocacy skills for system involved youth and

families.