Professional Learning & Development

Professional Learning & Development

concentric ovals graphic displaying the autistic community at the centre

The Autistic community is at the centre of Autism Tasmania’s mission to create the right conditions for autistic Tasmanians to achieve. Our Professional Learning & Development Program is an integral part of delivering this mission.

Learning and Development Programs Poster

Autism Tasmania delivers a range of structured or personalised professional learning and development programs. We will work with you to understand your specific needs and outcomes and can develop a tailored workshop that is best suited to your particular needs.

Our Professional Learning and Development Program aims to deliver practical, real-world outcomes, combining evidence-based practice, thinking and knowledge to benefit organisations, professionals and ultimately the broader community.

Our vision is to inspire, empower and equip individuals and organisations, with the necessary knowledge, skills & confidence to broaden their experience of the diversity of autism. By embracing the learning outcomes of our workshops, participants will become more aware of inclusive and positive practices that will not only make a huge difference to the Autistic Community but also influence and enrich society as a whole.

By being open to autism and embracing diversity, we can ALL experience the world in full colour.

Our professional development program provides three options:



Best session I have attended

This workshop was one of the most relevant, best delivered professional learning sessions that I have attended.

I have not stopped talking about this

One of the best presented sessions I have attended; very informative, definitely not boring, the speakers truly enlightened and inspired me. I am signing up to attend additional workshops and have insisted that my colleagues attend too. I have not stopped talking about this.

Excellent presenter, perfectly presented

An excellent presenter who pitched the presentation perfectly for my needs. She [had] obviously done her homework in relation to how [our services] work, because her insight into what education we might need was exactly on point.

Select an option below that best describes your position to see our recommendations for your professional development needs and view our calendar of upcoming events.

Autism is currently the largest primary disability category for the NDIS. These workshops have been specifically designed to increase the confidence and skills of disability support workers who may be working with an Autistic individual. As a Support Worker, you may provide a range of services for Autistic people, which may include:

  • Support in daily activities such as shopping, cleaning and attending appointments
  • Developing new skills including daily living skills, communication skills and social interaction
  • Facilitating self-advocacy and empowerment
  • Individualised support to access and maintain work, or other vocational experiences

Autism Tasmania is committed to providing high-quality training to the Disability Support sector to ensure that Autistic people they work with have an opportunity to access and participate fully in the community.

We recommend

BeOpenBanner

Be Open to Autism: Autism 101

This 90-minute Professional Development workshop develops understanding about the diversity of autism strengths, challenges and opportunities. It grows knowledge, skills and confidence across the community. BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW.

Autism Tasmania delivers this “Be Open to Autism” Workshop as a foundational awareness building experience, with participants able to attend this as either a stand-alone workshop or as an access point for further professional training under our Learning and Development program. FIND OUT MORE HERE.


two hands holding a loveheart

Disability Support Workers: Understanding Autism and Best Practice Support sessions

This 3-hour workshop aims to boost support workers' understanding of autism and increase their skills and confidence in interacting and effectively supporting autistic clients. FIND OUT MORE HERE.


check mark graphicPositive Behaviour Support (PBS)

This 2 part workshop is an established evidence-based practice for supporting autistic people in all stages of life. It provides an individualised and comprehensive approach that can be used for understanding and addressing challenging behaviours. Prior completion of a 2-hour Understanding Autism workshop is highly recommended. FIND OUT MORE HERE.

Employment is an important part of our lives – it provides financial security, social connection, maintains mental health and wellbeing, and builds our self-esteem.

However, for Autistic people, the path to employment can be challenging. In Australia, the unemployment rate for Autistic people is 31% – almost six times that of people without disability, and three times the rate of people with disability generally. Combine this with the fact that the prevalence of autism is growing, with Autism Spectrum Australia putting the rate at around 1 in 70. Research indicates that while most employers (93% of large businesses and 89% of medium-sized businesses) indicate an openness to hiring people with disability, only around a third of businesses do so.

Autistic people bring unique strengths, skills and talents to the workforce. Many employers, however, do not know where to start and need support to build their capability and confidence to hire, support and retain autistic employees. The provision of high-quality professional development for employment consultants is crucial to sustainable employment outcomes for Autistic people.

Autism Tasmania can work with your staff to provide training, support and coaching to build the skills and capacity within your team to facilitate better outcomes for your autistic job seekers. With the right tools and support, Autistic individuals have the opportunity to achieve meaningful, sustainable work.

We recommend

BeOpenBanner

Be Open to Autism: Autism 101

This 90-minute Professional Development workshop develops understanding about the diversity of autism strengths, challenges and opportunities. It grows knowledge, skills and confidence across the community. BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW.

Autism Tasmania delivers this “Be Open to Autism” Workshop as a foundational awareness building experience, with participants able to attend this as either a stand-alone workshop or as an access point for further professional training under our Learning and Development program. FIND OUT MORE HERE.


briefcase graphicDisability Employment Service Providers: Understanding Autism and Best Practice Support

This 3-hour workshop aims to boost disability employment service providers' understanding of autism and increase confidence in interacting and effectively supporting autistic clients. This workshop has been specifically designed for Disability Employment Service providers who may have autistic clients. FIND OUT MORE HERE.


cogs graphicUnderstanding Autism and the Workplace: Working with Autism

This 3-hour workshop has been specifically designed for staff teams and managers. The workshop aims to build a workplace understanding of autism and increase staff confidence in interacting and effectively supporting autistic individuals. FIND OUT MORE HERE.

 

Autistic students often present unique challenges, and both schools and teachers may often find it difficult to effectively meet their needs. Our workshops are designed to build confidence and strategies to meet the needs of all children to ensure they receive a quality education and the opportunity to reach their full potential. This workshop will provide teachers with a better understanding of autism and help enhance their skills, strategies and expertise when working with autistic students. With a focus on providing strategies and resources for strengthening relationships between home and school and developing productive partnerships in the wider community, teachers will be able to make important contributions to the lives of Autistic children and their families.

We recommend

BeOpenBanner

Be Open to Autism: Autism 101

This 90-minute Professional Development workshop develops understanding about the diversity of autism strengths, challenges and opportunities. It grows knowledge, skills and confidence across the community. BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW.

Autism Tasmania delivers this “Be Open to Autism” Workshop as a foundational awareness building experience, with participants able to attend this as either a stand-alone workshop or as an access point for further professional training under our Learning and Development program. FIND OUT MORE HERE.


Books on a shelf graphic

Autism in Schools: Supporting Students to Thrive

This 5-hour interactive workshop aims to broaden your understanding of autism, boost your confidence in interacting effectively with Autistic students, and equip you with evidence-based strategies. There is an opportunity to network and learn from other education professionals. FIND OUT MORE HERE.


check mark graphicPositive Behaviour Support (PBS)

This 2 part workshop isbased on an established evidence-based practice for supporting autistic people in all stages of life. It provides an individualised and comprehensive approach that can be used for understanding and addressing challenging behaviours. Prior completion of a 2-hour Understanding Autism workshop is highly recommended. FIND OUT MORE HERE.


crayon graphic

Autism: An Introduction for Schools and Early Childhood

This workshop aims to introduce you to the world of autism. You will be given practical ideas and strategies that make learning environments more autism-friendly. This foundation 2-hour workshop is well suited to be delivered at a staff meeting professional learning session within a school or early childhood setting. FIND OUT MORE HERE.

 

We recommend

BeOpenBanner

Be Open to Autism: Autism 101

This 90-minute Professional Development workshop develops understanding about the diversity of autism strengths, challenges and opportunities. It grows knowledge, skills and confidence across the community. BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW.

 

Autism Tasmania delivers this “Be Open to Autism” Workshop as a foundational awareness building experience, with participants able to attend this as either a stand-alone workshop or as an access point for further professional training under our Learning and Development program. FIND OUT MORE HERE.


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Understanding Autism: Inclusive Practices

This engaging, interactive 2-hour workshop is designed for participants to gain a deeper knowledge of autism and how best to support a colleague, family member, friend or client. Courses are offered statewide to professionals and interested community members. FIND OUT MORE HERE.


Everyone has a role to play in creating spaces that are welcoming and productive for Autistic individuals. It's important for Health professionals to understand what adjustments they can make to help Autistic individuals feel more at ease when attending appointments. In having a more robust knowledge of autism as well as boosted confidence in communication strategies, Health professionals will be better equipped to service the Autistic community effectively.

Everyone has a role to play in creating spaces that are welcoming and productive for Autistic individuals. It's important for Mental Health professionals to understand the ways in which autism can affect how someone experiences and interacts with the world around them and how this may impact their mental health. In having a more robust knowledge of autism as well as boosted confidence in communication strategies, Mental Health professionals will be better equipped to service the Autistic community effectively.

It is important for Child Protection professionals to recognise, understand and interact effectively with Autistic children to ensure they feel supported and understood. Autism Tasmania can provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to help a child in meltdown, communicate effectively and boost your confidence through the use of evidence-based practices.

Everyone has a role to play in creating spaces that are welcoming and productive for Autistic individuals. It's important for Housing professionals to understand what adjustments they can make to help Autistic individuals feel more at ease. In having a robust knowledge of autism as well as boosted confidence in communication strategies, Housing professionals will be better equipped to service the Autistic community effectively.

Everyone has a role to play in creating spaces that are welcoming and productive for Autistic individuals. It's important for Transport professionals to understand the way autism may affect how an Autistic individual experiences and interacts with the world around them. By improving your knowledge of autism as well as boosting your confidence in communication strategies, Transport professionals will be better equipped to service the Autistic community effectively.

Everyone has a role to play in creating spaces that are welcoming and productive for Autistic individuals. It's important for the Justice sector to understand the way autism may affect how an Autistic individual experiences and interacts with the world around them. By improving your knowledge of autism as well as boosting your confidence in communication strategies, the Justice sector will be better equipped to service the Autistic community effectively.

Everyone has a role to play in creating spaces that are welcoming and productive for Autistic individuals. It's important for Local councils to understand the way autism may affect how an Autistic individual experiences and interacts with the world around them. This includes considering adjustments that can be made for example at large events, in order to be more inclusive for the neurodiverse community. By improving your knowledge of autism as well as boosting your confidence in communication strategies, Local councils will be better equipped to service the Autistic community effectively.

Everyone has a role to play in creating workplaces that are welcoming and productive for Autistic individuals. With the right tools and support, Autistic individuals have the opportunity to achieve meaningful, sustainable work.

Autism Tasmania can provide professional development for your organisation to understand the contribution autistic employees can make to your workplace, learn best practice strategies for managing and supporting your employees and tips for successfully recruiting candidates from this untapped talent pool.

We are committed to improving community awareness, acceptance, and understanding of autism through our community education program delivered statewide.

The goal of Autism Tasmania is to move the broader community towards understanding, acceptance and support of the Autistic community. By attending our understanding Autism workshop you will develop knowledge and an understanding of the strengths and needs of the Autistic community. The voices of the Autistic community are woven through the training so that participants can gain an understanding of the experiences of people on the spectrum.

“ASK US what we most need to make us comfortable, as we are all different” - Autism Tas survey respondent, 2020.

 

We recommend

BeOpenBanner

Be Open to Autism: Autism 101

This 90-minute Professional Development workshop develops understanding about the diversity of autism strengths, challenges and opportunities. It grows knowledge, skills and confidence across the community. BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW.

 

Autism Tasmania delivers this “Be Open to Autism” Workshop as a foundational awareness building experience, with participants able to attend this as either a stand-alone workshop or as an access point for further professional training under our Learning and Development program. FIND OUT MORE HERE.


lightbulb graphic

Understanding Autism: Inclusive Practices

This engaging, interactive 2-hour workshop is designed for participants to gain a deeper knowledge of autism and how best to support a colleague, family member, friend or client. Courses are offered statewide to professionals and interested community membersFIND OUT MORE HERE.

If you're interested in booking a learning & development session for your organisation, finding out more about customised training and consulting services or you'd like to speak to our team, simply submit the expression of interest form below or e-mail our team at learningpd@autismtas.org.au.

Submit an expression of interest form
Fees for Group & Customised Events

Contacts

For further information please contact
Email: learningpd@autismtas.org.au
Phone: (03) 6722 5000

The safety and wellbeing of clients, staff and the community is the first priority for Autism Tasmania. Learning and Development (L&D) services are important to the community and accordingly, Autism Tasmania delivers these in-person services in full compliance with all public health measures and recognised best safety practices. Autism Tasmania is also committed to delivering interactive online L&D opportunities.

All L&D staff delivering in-person services have current knowledge and training in the current mandatory and best practice management of COVID safe service delivery including, but not limited to:

  • Mask Mandate
  • Social Distancing
  • Hand and physical hygiene
  • Room capacity

All Clients attending in-person L&D activities will need to comply with all COVID safe service delivery including:

  • Declare COVID-19 exposure and confirm they are not required to isolate as per public health measures before attending an event
  • Confirm that they are COVID-19 symptom-free prior to attending a scheduled event (full transfer or refund available if required)
  • Comply with all COVID-19 related public health measures at the time of the event
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