Communication in Autism: Differences & Support Strategies - Social Work

Everyone with autism demonstrates differences in their communication which may result in miscommunication and misunderstandings.

This evidence-informed workshop is designed to increase the participant’s understanding of the nature of communication in autism and to provide an overview of supports which can assist in bridging the gap between neurotypical and autistic individuals to reduce miscommunication and misunderstandings.

Participants will benefit most from this day if they come prepared to share stories of their experiences in interacting with individuals with autism and to actively engage with the facilitator.

Course Outline

1. Definition of communication
2. Components of communication
3. Types of communication
4. The spectrum of communication profiles observed in individuals with autism
5. Supporting receptive communication
6. Supporting expressive communication
7. Teaching new communication skills
8. Q & A

Course Objectives

On completion of the workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Define functional communication
2. Differentiate between receptive and expressive communication
3. Describe the distinction between verbal and non-verbal communication
4. List the areas of communication in which differences occur in individuals with autism
5. Identify and prioritize areas in which communication supports are needed
6. List several evidence-informed communication support systems commonly used in autism

Who Can Benefit?

Parents, teachers, support workers, occupational therapists and psychologists. Speech pathologists with limited experience in working with autistic individuals may also benefit from the information, but support systems are not covered in detail.