This course is delivered in conjunction with The City Law School and the School of Health Sciences. 

Online booking open here. 

Course facilitators: Esther Rumble & Helen Chiu (Intermediaries) and Professor Lucy Henry (City, University of London, Language and Communication Science)

Who is this course for? This course has been developed for professionals working in the justice system, including intermediaries, barristers, solicitors, anyone working with youth offenders, social workers, police and psychologists. 

Course requirements: IfJ Full, International or Associate member. Join here. 

This CPD course is an introduction to working with individuals with autism. It aims to promote autism informed practice within the criminal justice system. It aims to promote a better working knowledge of autism as a lifelong developmental disability, in order to support practical adaptations to promote access to a fairer justice system for autistic people.

Course content:

1. Overview about disability and the criminal justice system
2. What is autism: Key features, appropriate terminology and prevalence rates
3. Key facts about communication
4. Introduction to anxiety, trauma and emotional dysregulation
5. Impact of trauma and anxiety on communication and behavioural presentation for individuals on the autism spectrum
6. Vulnerability, autism and the criminal justice system - reasons why some individuals with autism may be more vulnerable to being involved in the criminal justice system, linked to the key features of autism
7. How and why individuals with autism might feel more physically and emotionally vulnerable in police and court settings
8. Explaining the role of the registered intermediary within the criminal justice system - from assessment to court
9. Autism informed practice and preparing for police interview and preparing for court, supporting at trial
10. Practical ideas to reduce anxiety levels and presentations of behaviours that challenge for the individual with autism
11. How to simplify language to promote better communication with an individual with autism
12. How to use visual support to promote better communication with an individual with autism
13. A chance to reflect on how your own individual practice might be adapted to meet the needs of a client with autism

The course fee includes a light lunch and refreshments. If you have any special dietary requirements or allergies please email your requirements/requests to cpd@city.ac.uk no later than 7 days before the course date.

Cancellation policy:  
If you wish to cancel your booking 30 or more days before a course/assessment start date, you have the option of receiving a refund minus a charge of £100. If you wish to cancel with less than 30 days before the course/assessment start date, the cancellation fee will be the total course fee. If you wish to cancel your booking please do so in writing by emailing: cpd@city.ac.uk. They will endeavour to respond to all cancellation requests within 5 working days. Refunds will be made using the same method of payment as you used for the purchase and will be paid within 14 days of you informing us of the cancellation, however, City and IfJ will not be liable for any travel, accommodation or any other costs as a result of any cancellation.

If you are unable to attend the course you may substitute another delegate by giving City 24 hours’ notice - please email cpd@city.ac.uk

Please see City Terms and Conditions for full Terms and Conditions. (Section VI, 3.3-3.6 for the cancellation policy). 

Places are limited to a maximum of 20 participants. There is a minimum requirement of 12 participants. If the minimum number is not met, the course will be cancelled with a weeks notice and a full refund given.