Supporting Neurodiverse Children: Autism Spectrum Disorders in Mainstream Classes

Addressing the Critical Demand for ASD Training

Autism Spectrum Disorder affects approximately 1 in 57 children in the UK, with many attending mainstream schools. As the prevalence of ASD diagnoses has increased, so has the need for educators to understand how best to support these students. Recent headlines have indicated that there is a perfect storm of falling budgets and rising critical needs, so it is essential that mainstream staff are enabled to build the skills needed to effectively support SEND within their classrooms.

Teachers often face challenges in meeting the diverse needs of students with ASD, including communication difficulties, social interaction challenges, and sensory sensitivities. Effective strategies and understanding are crucial for creating inclusive classroom environments that enable all students to thrive.

What2Learn has identified the need for a focused CPD course to provide teachers with practical tools and knowledge to better support children with ASD. We are seeking a qualified author to collaborate with us in developing this course, aiming to foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment that benefits both neurodiverse and neurotypical students.


The Ideal Course Author

We are seeking a knowledgeable and passionate author with the following expertise and attributes to collaborate with us to create this short course:

  • Expertise in Autism Education: A deep understanding of ASD and experience working with neurodiverse children in educational settings.
  • Relevant Professional Experience: A background in education psychology, SEND, teaching or educational consultancy, ideally within the UK education system.
  • Innovative and Practical Approach: Ability to translate complex theories into practical strategies that educators can use daily.
  • Strong Communication Skills: Excellent ability to write and present information clearly and engagingly.
  • Commitment to Inclusion: A passion for promoting inclusive education and supporting diverse learners.

Does this describe you?


Benefits to the Author

By collaborating with What2Learn CPD, you will enjoy a range of benefits:

  1. High Royalty Payments: Your courses will always be sold at a price that reflects your expertise and the quality of your content. Enjoy generous royalties for each course sold, with no hidden fees or surprise deductions.
  2. No Technical Skills Required: Focus on sharing your knowledge while we handle the technical aspects. We manage hosting, account creation, and payments, ensuring a seamless experience for both you and your learners.
  3. Transparent Earnings: Use our Affiliate Gateway to track sales of your courses and manage your own royalty payments, ensuring complete transparency.
  4. Full Support in Course Development and Beyond: From initial concept to CPD accreditation, hosting, user support, and marketing, we provide comprehensive support at every stage.
  5. Industry Recognition: Gain formal recognition for your contributions to professional development, enhancing your reputation as an expert in your field.
  6. CPD Accreditation Management: We handle the entire process of obtaining CPD accreditation for your courses, ensuring they meet the highest professional standards.
  7. Increased Visibility and Opportunities: Elevate your professional profile and gain exposure to a wide audience of potential clients. Your expertise showcased through our platform can lead to further consulting, speaking engagements, and bespoke training requests.

Suggestions for Course Structure

The course should provide concise and impactful training, emphasizing essential strategies that teachers can implement right away. Below is a suggested course outline. This is meant as a starting point, and you may already have training materials in a different format, which we can convert into a CPD-accredited online course.

1. Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders

  • Understanding ASD: Myths and Facts
  • Characteristics and common challenges faced by students with ASD

2. Creating an Inclusive Classroom Environment

  • Strategies for sensory-friendly classrooms
  • Tools for enhancing communication and social interaction
  • Differentiating instruction to meet diverse needs

3. Behaviour Management and Support

  • Understanding and managing challenging behaviours
  • Positive reinforcement and other effective behaviour management techniques

4. Collaboration and Communication

  • Engaging with parents and caregivers
  • Collaborating with specialists and support staff

5. Implementing strategies in your classroom

  • Case Studies and Practical Applications
  • Self-review

Get Involved

Are you ready to make a difference in the field of education? We invite you to help shape the future of inclusive education by creating a course that will empower teachers and support neurodiverse students.

Get Involved today to discuss how you can contribute to this vital initiative. Visit our Contact Us page or connect with our Education Director on LinkedIn. Let’s work together to create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.