An introduction to visual impairment and autism in children and young people
Presented on 8 November 2013
Content
This one-day course provided a description of the nature of autism; the research concerning the co-occurrence of visual impairment and autism; and developmental setback in visually impaired infants.
It included a demonstration of the guidance for practitioners developed by the Visual Impairment and Autism Project and discussion of the areas covered: underlying principles, learning, the environment, communication, sensory needs, wellbeing, mobility and independence, and music.
"[I will] completely change the way I work with visually impaired/autistic 8 year old boy in mainstream. Pages of ideas to put into action."
Target Audience: Practitioners working with children and young people who are blind or partially sighted, including teachers, teaching assistants, care workers, habilitation/mobility officers, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, and educational psychologists. This course is also valuable to those working with adults who have both visual impairment and autism.
Presenter: Ian Bell, Independent Specialist Speech & Language Therapist (formerly Leader of the Visual Impairment & Autism Project)
Programme
- 11.20 am The co-occurrence of visual impairment and autism (Ian Bell's Website)
- 1.30 pm The Visual Impairment and Autism Project (RNIB Website) and practitioner guidance. This session will provide opportunities to raise concerns about individual children and young people.
- 3.30 pm Course evaluation and close
10.30 am The nature of autism
12.10 pm Developmental setback