Training

Parent workshops

Forward Steps runs a number of workshops each year for parents of children who have an Autism Spectrum Disorder.

There are six sessions in our Autism workshop taking place approximately every Wednesday over a two month period, covering the following topics.

• what is Autism?
• communication
• who's who in the health system
• understanding the statementing process
• behaviour Management and an introduction to the Parent Resource Centre.

The workshops are facilitated by Barbara Crozier and Jane Alford of Forward Steps

Belfast Central Mission's Eagle Project with whom we work in partnership run a number of workshops each year for parents of children who have Asperger's syndrome. The workshops are facilitated by Heather Taylor Project Manager of Eagle.

The above workshops are free however there are 10 places each time and these are only available to parents who have been referred to Forward Steps and Eagle: places are allocated on a first come first served basis.

If you would like more information about the training, please contact Barbara at Forward Steps or Heather at Eagle.

Parent training

Nova Workman of Forward Steps has developed a two-day training course for parents. The training is free however it is only available to parents who have attended our parent workshop. There are 10 places available for the training and these will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

The training is called "Using visual supports to help your child" and is run a number of times each year. It is held at Forward Steps on two Wednesday mornings, from 10.00am to 12.00pm.

The training is delivered by Nova Workman, Assistant Service Co-Ordinator and Sally McMullan, Senior Project Worker both of whom work at Forward Steps.

We cover the following topics:-

• morning one: "Structured teaching" - an approach effectively used with children who have an Autism Spectrum Disorder
• morning two: "Make and take" session - a practical element where you will be assisted in making individualised symbols for your own child.

If you would like further information about the training, please contact Nova or Sally at Forward Steps.

NB: A créche is provided for the Autism workshop and the parent training, however numbers are limited so parents wishing to attend need to let us know if they intend to use this.

Professional training

Forward Steps staff provide in-house Autism training to other Barnardo's projects.

We are also involved in the Keyhole Autism Training Project for pre-school staff in partnership with Autism NI (PAPA) and NIPPA. This course is aimed at anyone working with pre-school children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder in an Early Years setting i.e. playgroup, parent toddler and crèche staff. For further information and bookings please contact Fiona Scullion at NIPPA on 90662825.