Working with autism spectrum conditions in the CJS

IfJ CPD Courses

Course Facilitator(s)

Esther Rumble, Jackie Lund and Professor Lucy Henry

Course Facilitator(s) Bio

Esther Rumble is a speech and language therapist and intermediary. She has worked with children and adults across the spectrum for over twenty years, and currently leads a diagnostic service for adults within her local NHS mental health trust. Esther works with autistic people on a daily basis, and assists both as an RI and independent intermediary. Jackie Lund is a modern matron with an extensive background in autism, learning disability and mental health nursing. Jackie currently works within the neurodevelopmental pathway in HMP Bristol. Professor Lucy Henry teaches at City University and has research interests in use of intermediaries at interview and in supporting recall.

Course Requirements

IfJ Full Member or Associate

Who is this course for?

Intermediaries and other CJS professionals wanting to develop understanding and good autism practice. The course is tailored to developing intermediary skills, but will also be of interest to those working within the CJS and wanting to develop skills in supporting and working with autistic children and adults

Description

This course is for intermediaries and other CJS professionals wishing to deepen their understanding of autism and how autistic people may present across the CJS.

We will take a workshop approach to exploring involvement at assessment, interview and trial, focussing on the needs of primarily older children and adults who are autistic. We will cover the headlines in autism theory, and use an autism lens approach to highlight and support differences in thinking and communication style.

Course dates and times:
10th February 2022, 9.30am-5pm
15th February 2022, 5:30pm-7pm

Registration 9.15am
Course finishes at 4:30pm, with time for networking informally until 5pm.

Course aims/objectives:

Participants will:

1. Consolidate understanding of the differences experienced by autistic people, using diagnostic (‘impairment’) and psychological models
2. Understand differences in presentation in women and girls, and ‘atypical’ autism
3. Deepen your practice as an intermediary through assessment, interview, report and trial
4. Use the autism lens to describe and share impacts of autism on communication, thinking, sensory and behaviour.

Course Content:

- What is autism?
- Psychological models in autism theory
- Using the autism lens
- Autism informed assessment
- Autism and women
- Meltdown, anxiety, sensory aspects
- Use of visual supports
- Autism specific report writing
- Autism friendly assistance in court.

Course Method:

The workshop is run in the form of a small group training. The presenters will present information and will invite high levels of participation and sharing of knowledge and ideas.  Prepared slides / handouts guide the process rather than impart information.

We have found Zoom to be really helpful in creating a warm and collegiate atmosphere for learning and sharing. Please be prepared to view some video links and materials in readiness for the sessions each day- these will be supplied in advance.

The following materials are provided:

  • Pre course questionnaire
  • Timetable
  • Power point presentations
  • Guidance for further reading-Bibliography

We anticipate small group special interest sessions to be available throughout the year for course participants and colleagues.

Additional details:

Participants to log on 15 minutes prior to start of each session.
It is required that all participants keep their cameras on throughout the workshop.
Participants to complete online feedback form at the end of the last session.