Autism: Strategies for Self-Regulation, Learning, and Challenging Behaviour is a workshop presented by Kalyn Falk, MA. Kalyn teaches CTRI workshops in the areas of autism and wellness. She is a gifted facilitator who brings a wealth of knowledge to her training from both her professional background and from her experience raising her 16-year old with profound autism. In university she majored in developmental studies, psychology, and conflict resolution studies. Throughout the last fifteen years, Kalyn has worked with schools, government agencies, and health care organizations to increase awareness and understanding of autism as an educational consultant, trainer and parent. Kalyn published her first book, Mother of the Year and Other Elusive Awards: Misadventures in Autism, in 2013.

The workshop is designed at an introductory-intermediate level and is intended for school personnel, social service and health care professionals, counsellors, parents, and anyone seeking a better understanding of autism.

Please Note: the in-person version of this workshop has been cancelled due to COVID-19, but there is an on-demand version here: https://ca.ctrinstitute.com/on-demand-workshops/on-demand-autism/

Workshop Description:

Working with individuals who have autism can be a very meaningful experience, but it is not without its challenges. With recent reports indicating that an increasing number of individuals are on the autism spectrum, a greater number of care providers are encountering individuals with autism as part of their work and life. While every person with autism is unique, many face similar challenges. The primary focus of this workshop is to provide practical strategies for working with high-need individuals around self-regulation, learning practices, and challenging behaviours. Participants will review a behavioural framework to provide effective strategies for each of these areas, which they will be able to adapt to their own specific environment and context.

The CTRI notes: “This workshop is not providing training for clinical therapy – the aim of the workshop is to provide practical strategies for a wide range of helpers who support high-need individuals with autism.”

Some topics included:

·       Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder

·       Different Approaches: Behavioural, Sensorimotor, Developmental, Biomedical

·       Keys to Effective Interactions

·       Strategies for Challenging Behaviours

·       Determining the Function of Behaviour

·       Mapping Out a Plan: Structures and Systems

·       Understanding Anxiety and Autism

·       How to be a Support in Self-Regulation

·       Strategies for Hyposensitivity and Hypersensitivity

·       Physical Self-Regulation Strategies

·       Emotional Awareness and Self-Regulation

·       Best Practices and Strategies for Learning

·       Choosing Effective Learning Goals

·       Special Considerations for Higher-Functioning Individuals

Please Note: the in-person version of this workshop has been cancelled due to COVID-19, but there is an on-demand version here: https://ca.ctrinstitute.com/on-demand-workshops/on-demand-autism/