We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Autism and Neurodiversity

Building Your Child's Strengths

Sonya Girdler and Ben Milbourn

Autism and Neurodiversity: Building Your Child's Strengths has been created to assist family members and carers of young children who may be displaying early signs of autism. Much of the information provided - particularly on developing strengths, approaches to advocacy, school preparation, and carer wellbeing - will also be of use to parents and carers of neurodiverse children more generally.

The course aims to provide learners with the knowledge and skills to recognise concerning behaviours, understand the diagnosis process, create a plan to help navigate the early stages of childhood development, and how to successfully advocate for your child. We cover from birth to the age of six, including planning and preparation for school.

This course has been developed by Curtin University in partnership with Kalparrin.org.au

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

Recognise what autism is and identify first signs and behaviours of concern
Understand the process of obtaining a diagnosis of autism for a child
Learn about the carer journey and strategies to avoid carer burnout

Understand strengths-based approaches to autism and neurodiversity
Learn how to advocate for children’s needs in regards to intervention and funding
Develop knowledge and awareness about planning and preparation for school

Recognise what autism is and identify first signs and behaviours of concern
Understand the process of obtaining a diagnosis of autism for a child
Learn about the carer journey and strategies to avoid carer burnout
Understand strengths-based approaches to autism and neurodiversity
Learn how to advocate for children’s needs in regards to intervention and funding
Develop knowledge and awareness about planning and preparation for school

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Recognizing early signs and behaviors of autism is emphasized, providing practical support for those seeking an early diagnosis

Navigating the complexities of the diagnosis process is thoroughly explained, guiding learners through crucial steps

Practical strategies for minimizing carer burnout are explored, promoting the well-being of those supporting individuals with autism

Empowering learners with knowledge of strengths-based approaches to autism and neurodiversity, fostering a positive and supportive environment

Equipping learners with advocacy skills to effectively represent the needs of children with autism, ensuring their voices are heard

Providing comprehensive guidance on planning and preparing for a child's transition into the school environment, addressing potential challenges and maximizing opportunities

Save this course

Save Autism and Neurodiversity: Building Your Child's Strengths to your list so you can find it easily later:

Save

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Autism and Neurodiversity: Building Your Child's Strengths with these activities:

Review an overview of autism

Show steps

Gaining a foundational understanding of autism will increase your engagement and comprehension in this course.

Browse courses on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Show steps

Read an article or book that provides an introduction to autism.
Explore the website of the National Autistic Society.
Watch a documentary about autism.

Read Asperger's Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals

Show steps

This book provides a comprehensive overview of Asperger's Syndrome, which will help you better understand the diagnosis and its implications for your child.

View Autism Working on Amazon

Show steps

Read the first three chapters of the book.
Take notes on the key points that you learn.
Discuss the book with a friend or family member.

Find a mentor who has experience with autism

Show steps

Finding a mentor can provide you with a valuable resource for support and guidance.

Show steps

Identify the qualities that you are looking for in a mentor.
Ask friends or family members for recommendations.
Contact potential mentors and interview them.

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Follow a series of online tutorials on autism

Show steps

Following these tutorials will help you gain a deeper understanding of autism and how to support your child.

Show steps

Find a reputable website or organization that offers online tutorials on autism.
Choose a tutorial that is appropriate for your level of knowledge and interests.
Follow the instructions in the tutorial and complete the activities.

Attend a workshop on autism

Show steps

Attending a workshop will provide you with the opportunity to learn from experts in the field of autism and connect with other parents.

Show steps

Find a workshop that is appropriate for your needs.
Register for the workshop.
Attend the workshop and participate in the activities.

Join a support group for parents of children with autism

Show steps

Joining a support group will provide you with a valuable opportunity to connect with other parents who are going through similar challenges.

Show steps

Find a support group in your area.
Attend a meeting.
Share your experiences and learn from others.

Write a blog post or article about your experiences as the parent of a child with autism

Show steps

Writing about your experiences will help you process your emotions and connect with other parents who are going through similar challenges.

Show steps

Choose a topic that you are passionate about.
Write a draft of your blog post or article.
Get feedback from a friend or family member.
Publish your blog post or article.

Develop a plan for your child's early intervention services

Show steps

Creating a plan will help you ensure that your child receives the services that they need to reach their full potential.

Show steps

Gather information about early intervention services.
Identify your child's needs.
Develop a plan that meets your child's needs.
Implement the plan and track your child's progress.

Career center

Learners who complete Autism and Neurodiversity: Building Your Child's Strengths will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Autism Interventionist

An Autism Interventionist works with children with autism to help them develop skills and learn how to interact with the world around them. This course would be helpful for an Autism Interventionist because it provides information on how to recognize early signs of autism, understand the diagnosis process, and create a plan to help navigate the early stages of childhood development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Autism Interventionist

Occupational Therapist

An Occupational Therapist helps people of all ages who have physical, developmental, or cognitive disabilities to participate in everyday activities. This course would be helpful for an Occupational Therapist because it provides information on how to develop strengths-based approaches to autism and neurodiversity.

See salaries and explore the career path for Occupational Therapist

Special Education Teacher

A Special Education Teacher works with students who have disabilities to help them learn and develop. This course would be helpful for a Special Education Teacher because it provides information on how to plan and prepare for school for children with autism.

See salaries and explore the career path for Special Education Teacher

Speech-Language Pathologist

A Speech-Language Pathologist helps people of all ages who have difficulty with speech, language, or swallowing. This course would be helpful for a Speech-Language Pathologist because it provides information on how to recognize early signs of autism and understand the diagnosis process.

See salaries and explore the career path for Speech-Language Pathologist

Child Psychologist

A Child Psychologist works with children and adolescents to help them with mental, emotional, and behavioral problems. This course would be helpful for a Child Psychologist because it provides information on how to understand the diagnosis process for autism and create a plan to help navigate the early stages of childhood development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Child Psychologist

Social Worker

A Social Worker helps people of all ages with a variety of problems, including mental health issues, poverty, and homelessness. This course would be helpful for a Social Worker because it provides information on how to advocate for children's needs in regards to intervention and funding.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Teacher Assistant

A Teacher Assistant helps teachers in the classroom with a variety of tasks, including providing support to students with disabilities. This course would be helpful for a Teacher Assistant because it provides information on how to develop strengths-based approaches to autism and neurodiversity.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher Assistant

Case Manager

A Case Manager helps people with disabilities navigate the service system and access the resources they need. This course would be helpful for a Case Manager because it provides information on how to understand the diagnosis process for autism and create a plan to help navigate the early stages of childhood development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Case Manager

Counselor

A Counselor helps people of all ages with a variety of mental health issues. This course would be helpful for a Counselor because it provides information on how to understand the diagnosis process for autism and create a plan to help navigate the early stages of childhood development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Counselor

Advocate

An Advocate helps people with disabilities to access the services and resources they need. This course would be helpful for an Advocate because it provides information on how to advocate for children's needs in regards to intervention and funding.

See salaries and explore the career path for Advocate

Researcher

A Researcher conducts studies to learn more about autism and other developmental disabilities. This course would be helpful for a Researcher because it provides information on how to recognize early signs of autism and understand the diagnosis process.

See salaries and explore the career path for Researcher

Policy Analyst

A Policy Analyst develops and analyzes policies that affect people with disabilities. This course would be helpful for a Policy Analyst because it provides information on how to advocate for children's needs in regards to intervention and funding.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Grant Writer

A Grant Writer writes grant proposals to secure funding for organizations that serve people with disabilities. This course would be helpful for a Grant Writer because it provides information on how to advocate for children's needs in regards to intervention and funding.

See salaries and explore the career path for Grant Writer

Fundraiser

A Fundraiser raises money for organizations that serve people with disabilities. This course would be helpful for a Fundraiser because it provides information on how to advocate for children's needs in regards to intervention and funding.

See salaries and explore the career path for Fundraiser

Event Planner

An Event Planner plans and coordinates events for organizations that serve people with disabilities. This course would be helpful for an Event Planner because it provides information on how to advocate for children's needs in regards to intervention and funding.

See salaries and explore the career path for Event Planner

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Autism and Neurodiversity: Building Your Child's Strengths.

Let Me Hear Your Voice

Save

Provides practical advice and support for parents of children with autism. It covers a wide range of topics, including early intervention, education, and social skills development.

Autism and Neurodiversity

Building Your Child's Strengths

What's inside

Learning objectives

Good to know

Save this course

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses