FLEX Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders - for BC School Employees only
7-week Virtual POPARD Course
Tuesdays, 4:00-6:30pm (Pacific Time) April 8 to May 20, 2025 (plus indepdendent work)
NOTE: Our virtual FLEX Introduction to ASD course covers the same content as our 5-Day Introduction to ASD course, but runs over 7 weeks and outside of school hours. School administrators should consider both of our ASD courses courses as equivalent for employment / job requirements.
COURSE OVERVIEW
If you’ve met one person with ASD, you’ve met one person with ASD. Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning it is characterized by a wide range of symptoms and severity. Although there are core characteristics present in all individuals with a diagnosis of ASD, there is much variability across individuals. How do we best support students with ASD given their varying profiles? Participants will gain the basic understanding and skills needed to provide quality instruction and supports for students with ASD.
This FLEX ASD course is delivered through a combination of pre-recorded modules, independent/group work, and virtual 'live' sessions., Participants will learn about ASD with an emphasis on applications relevant to the school setting. Participants who successfully complete the course will receive a certificate showing 30 hours of learning.
Topics Covered:
Introduction to Autism – developing a basic understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorders
Understanding Behaviour – understanding student characteristics and environmental influences that lead to challenging behaviour in the classroom
Changing Behaviour – positive programming and strategies to influence and improve student behaviour
Communication & Social Competence Skills – identifying core social/communication deficits and providing strategies and resources to improve these skills
Life Skills – teaching functional skills for daily living through modified programming, and preparing students for adulthood
TIME COMMITMENT
Participants must attend all seven mandatory live Zoom sessions and should expect to spend an additional 2 to 3 hours per week on self-learning modules (time may vary depending on individual learning styles). There is also a mandatory Introductory Module in Canvas that must be completed the week prior to the first live Zoom session (instructions on how to access the Introductory Module, and the due date for completion, will be emailed to you about 1 week prior to the start of the course).
MANDATORY LIVE ZOOM SESSIONS (seven total):
Tuesdays 4:00-6:30pm (Apr 8, 15, 22, 29, May 6, 13, 20, 2025) - participants must attend ALL sessions
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO TAKE THIS COURSE
This course is for BC public, First Nations, and independent school teachers, paraprofessionals, and other educational staff supporting students with ASD at K-12 grade levels. You must register with your school district employee email address when registering for this course.
When April 8 - May 20, 2025
Registration for this event has closed. We are not accepting late registrations and there is no waitlist.
If you have any questions contact Denise Reid by email at
