Autism and Demand Avoidance – Module 7

Welcome to the NCAMH course on Autism and Demand Avoidance!

• In this two day on-line course you will be introduced to a model of understanding how demand avoidance may be experienced and expressed amongst autistic people.
• You will understand the correlation between overstimulation, micro-stressors, anxiety and demand avoidance and be introduced to knowledge and skills and tools that support co-regulation, self-care, safety, de-compression, low arousal environments and compassionate communication .

There are six lessons in this module including lessons on; understanding demand avoidance; autism and demand avoidance; autism, identity and demand avoidance (autistic voices); current research, literature and evidence base on spotting the signs and helpful approaches, an introduction to the low arousal approach and strategies) and an introduction to 7 low arousal and compassionate communication strategies.

We introduce you to tools, resources, strategies and good practice tips across this module and particularly in Lessons 5 and 6 where we share two resource packs with you:  Developing a low arousal practice resource pack and 7 low arousal and compassionate communication strategies. 

In lesson 4 we also share current research, resources, tools and helpful approaches when supporting autistic CYP with demand avoidant profiles (at home and in Education). You can use these resources with your clients, their families and carers to increase self-awareness alongside introducing strategies for safety planning, self-advocacy,  co-regulation, self-soothing, autonomy and control.

We are joined in Lesson 3, by Dr Amy Pearson, Neurodivergent Professor of Psychology at Durham University in a podcast interview where she talks with us about Autism, Demand Avoidance and Identity.  We are also joined in Lesson 3 by Lindsay Ullman, an autistic writer and astrologer, who shares with us how she experiences demand avoidance.

In Lesson 4 we are joined by Jilly Davies, Education Advisor at the PDA Society, who talks to us about helpful strategies and approaches for schools when supporting autistic pupils with demand avoidant profiles.  Jilly also shares a number of links to resources for schools and parents.

In Lesson 5, we meet Dr Andrew McDonnell, Clinical Psychologist and Director of Studio 3, in an NCAMH podcast interview where he talks to us about the Low Arousal Approach and some of the key practices that underpin the approach when supporting an autistic person who may be experiencing a high arousal state (autistic meltdown).

There are six lessons in Module 7 with a mixture of tutor-led sessions, podcasts, additional video clips, articles, worksheets/exercises, review of resources and completion of reflective practice worksheets.

You will be able to access the course handouts, workbooks and reflective practice worksheets from the welcome and introduction page.  You can access any worksheets, tools and resources from within the Lesson on the learning management platform.

I wish you well with the course,

Warmest wishes,

Jenny Phaure

Clinical Director

MA (Child and Ad Psych, UKCP), MSc

National Centre for Autism and Mental Health

www.ncamh.co.uk

Phone: 07545 190915