Autism: Developing Knowledge of Autistic Experiences
Increase your understanding of autistic people through an exploration of autistic experiences in key areas.
Duration
Approx 16 weeks3 hrs per week
Learn from autistic people’s experiences
This ExpertTrack will help you gain a deeper understanding of autistic people and how best to advocate for autistic voices as you learn directly from their experiences.
You’ll explore key areas to understand how to provide better care, access to facilities, and how to improve the overall wellbeing of autistic people.
Explore the barriers to an autism diagnosis
You’ll build a strong foundational knowledge of what autism is, and what it is not. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to identify the barriers to an autism diagnosis, and what can be done to overcome these obstacles.
Exploring the latest developments in psychological theories, you’ll reflect on the experiences of autistic women, girls, and other marginalised gender identities to ensure your knowledge of autism is inclusive.
Unpack autism in the legal system and the importance of social inclusion
As you explore the benefits of social inclusion for autistic people, you’ll understand how factors such as legislation and employment affect the success of this.
You’ll develop knowledge on ways of improving social care and also learn from the experiences of autistic people within the criminal justice system, both as a victim and offender.
Understand the need for improving access to healthcare for autistic people
Autistic people can face many difficulties when trying to access healthcare. On the ExpertTrack, you’ll work to think of ways to improve this which will have a direct impact on quality of life.
You’ll also look at the common co-existing conditions found with autistic people and how this affects wellbeing. Within this, you’ll delve into mental health, including masking and trauma, and understand the role of intersectionality.
Explore autism in the classroom
You’ll develop your knowledge of autistic people’s experiences in education, including common issues such as bullying and school refusal.
Delving deep into autistic learners’ needs, you’ll also look at the adjustments that can be made to create enabling and supportive learning environments.
By the end of this ExpertTrack, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to help break down boundaries and amplify the autistic voice.
Learning from the experts at The Tizard Centre, whose leading research into autism has been highly influential, you’ll gain specialist insights and a deeper understanding of how to improve the lives of autistic people in key areas.
Key skills you will learn
- Applying good practice to improve the lives of autistic people
- Identifying legislation relevant to autistic people
- Recognising barriers to access for autistic people in healthcare, education and other areas
- Appreciating the importance of autistic social identity
Learning outcomes
By the end of the ExpertTrack, you’ll be able to...
- Explore the process of, and barriers to, autism diagnosis
- Reflect on the experiences of autistic women, girls and other marginalised gender identities
- Apply what you have learned about good practice to improve the lives of autistic people
- Identify legislation relevent to different aspects of autistic people's lives
- Describe the importance of autistic social identity
- Discuss autistic mental health and how masking and trauma affect access to healthcare
Experience required
This ExpertTrack is designed for anyone interested in the experiences of autistic people, and some understanding of autism is expected.
The ‘Understanding Autism’ short course can help you build this prior knowledge.
You should also have a good understanding of the English language (equivalent to CEFR B2 or IELTS 5.5).
Getting started
This ExpertTrack is intended for autistic people, families of autistic people, and staff in education, social care, and other relevant areas.
ExpertTrack course overview
Course 1
A Deeper Understanding of Autistic People
4.2 (5 reviews)Develop your knowledge of the experiences of autistic people of different genders, barriers to diagnosis and the latest research.
4 weeks
3 hours per week
Week 1
An introduction to autistic differences
- Welcome and introduction
- Neurodiversity and social communication
- Similarities and differences
Week 2
Diagnosis
- Diagnostic pathways
- Current criteria
- Responses to diagnosis
Week 3
Gender and diversity
- The role of gender and diversity
- Barriers to diagnosis
- Support
Week 4
Theories
- Theories
- Practical impact of theories
- Conclusion
Course 2
Autistic People's Rights and the Law
Learn about legislation affecting the rights of autistic people within social care, employment and the criminal justice system.
4 weeks
3 hours per week
Week 1
Advocacy
- The Autistic Voice
- Autistic perspectives
- Stakeholders
Week 2
Legislation, social inclusion, and employment
- Social care legislation
- Employment and social inclusion
- Case study
Week 3
Autistic offenders
- Autistic people and crime
- The Criminal Justice System
- Improving the system
Week 4
Autistic victims of crime
- Issues affecting autistic victims of crime
- Lived experiences
- Looking forward
Course 3
Autistic Health: Improving Access to Healthcare
Learn how to improve quality of life for autistic people and overcome the barriers they face in accessing healthcare.
4 weeks
3 hours per week
Week 1
Physical health
- Introduction to physical health issues
- Case studies in autism and physical health
- Support for physical health
Week 2
Mental health
- Autistic mental health
- Mental health and intersectionality case studies
- Intersectionality
Week 3
Barriers to healthcare
- What barriers do autistic people face?
- Exploring barriers to healthcare
- Responding to healthcare barriers
Week 4
Well-being and quality of life
- The quality of life of autistic people
- Assessing autistic quality of life
- Autistic joy
Course 4
Autistic Students and Education: Creating an Inclusive Classroom
Explore the experiences of autistic students and learn how to create inclusive and enabling educational environments.
4 weeks
3 hours per week
Week 1
Education legislation
- Welcome
- Legislation
- Legislation in practice
Week 2
Experiences and issues in education
- Experiences of education
- Issues in education
- Social identity
Week 3
Learning environments
- Sensory differences
- Enabling learning environments
- Good practice
Week 4
Supporting autistic students
- Support in practice
- Approaches to support
- Reflections
Prove you're job ready
Highlight the new, job-relevant skills you’ve gained and supplement existing qualifications with a hard-earned, industry-specific digital certificate – plus one for every course within your ExpertTrack.
- Learn the latest in your chosen industry or subject.
- Complete each course and pass assessments.
- Receive certificates validated by the educating organisation.
- Impress employers with learning outcomes you can add to your CV.
- Make your career dreams a reality.
Download a PDF
How ExpertTracks work
Join an ExpertTrack to master new skills in your chosen specialist area. Work through a series of topic-focused courses at your own pace, and pass the final assessment to earn a digital certificate award which proves your expertise.
Decide if the ExpertTrack is right for you with free access to the full suite of courses and assessments for a week.
Pay a monthly subscription fee of $39 for as long as it takes you to complete the ExpertTrack. You can learn at your own pace and cancel at any time.
Receive a certificate for every completed course and pass the final assessment to earn a digital certificate.
Use your specialist training to progress further in your career or build expertise in areas you’re passionate about.
World-class learning with The University of Kent
The University of Kent, the UK’s European university, is one of the country’s most dynamic universities. Established in 1965, it now has 19,850 students studying at its various campuses.
Meet your instructor
Dr Jill Bradshaw is a Senior Lecturer in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and a Speech/Language Therapist -Tizard Centre, University of Kent. She has been working in this field for 25 year
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ExpertTracks are a series of online courses designed to help you master new skills in specialist areas. You pay a monthly subscription fee which includes access to all courses within the ExpertTrack, as well as assessments and the final digital certificate.
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