News

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how someone communicates with people, and how they experience the world around them. 

Autism is the fastest growing disability in Europe and with around 700,000 people in the UK living with it, advice and support is more important than ever.  

The Introduction to Autism course which will include visits from guest speakers from the Middletown Autism Centre, will be taught by Faith Garrett, an expert in the field who has a child with special needs also. 

The course will explore important themes such as individuality, communication, behaviour and person-centred support. 

Participants will receive recognition and certification through this short course, achieving unit accreditation at level two. The course will also provide an opportunity to meet others in a safe and supportive environment. 

Faith said: “Being a mother of a child with special needs myself I understand what parents and other family members may be going through if they have just been told their child has an autistic spectrum disorder. This short course will cover recognising behaviours associated with autism, communication strategies parents can adopt and what support they can access. I’d fully encourage family members and anyone interested in childhood studies to come along to the course.” 

Belfast Met will also be running a series of related courses in September including one aimed at meeting the needs of learners with ADHD, Skills for Parenting and Understanding the speech, language and communication needs of children and young people with behavioural difficulties. Please visit the Autism Course page for further information.