AASW Webinar Recording | Understanding, Connecting, and Supporting Individuals on the Autism Spectrum

This webinar will provide insight into working with individuals on the Spectrum and will explore how you can connect, engage, communicate, and work effectively with your clients to ensure that they feel understood, heard, and empowered.

Member price: $90.00 including GST (member price will display once logged in)

Non-member price: $180.00 including GST

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a neurodevelopmental difference that impact upon the way people communicate, experience, and interact with the world. People on the Spectrum are often subject to stigma and discrimination, and experience lack of access to health care, education, and opportunities to engage and participate in their communities. (WHO, 2021).

As a social work practitioner, you will likely meet individuals on the Spectrum. Understanding best practice when supporting clients on the Spectrum is essential to their wellbeing and quality of life.

This webinar will provide insight into working with individuals on the Spectrum and will explore how you can connect, engage, communicate, and work effectively with your clients to ensure that they feel understood, heard, and empowered to lead a rich and meaningful life.

This webinar recording will explore:

• An overview of Autism
• The characteristics, behaviours, and core areas of functional impact of Autism
• Key issues effecting individuals with Autism, their families, siblings, and their carers
• Intervention and Support strategies
• The role of the Social Worker in working with adults, children, and families within the NDIS

"Excellent presentation and wealth of information, resources and strategies" – webinar participant, November 2021.

"Amazing! Probably one of the best webinars I've watched all year!" – webinar participant, November 2021.

Who should register? Emerging and Evolving practitioners who want to develop best practice approaches to supporting those with Autism, their family, carers, and friends.

AASW Credential: Disability

Learning Outcomes

Participants will be able to:

• Define the key characteristics of Autism - Understand the diagnostic process and referral pathways
• Understand the core areas of functional impact of Autism upon the individual - Understand the key issues effecting individuals with Autism, their families, friends and carers
• Understand intervention and support strategies for those on the Autism Spectrum
• Understand NDIS pathways and supports for those on the Autism Spectrum

Presenter details

Johanna Ng is an AASW accredited social worker and was an NDIS registered provider and support coordinator for 7 years. She has been navigating the NDIS since its inception and has three children and a partner on the spectrum. She is passionate about empowering people to take control of their own lives whilst being there to walk alongside them and share their journey.

Johanna’s commitment as a social worker is to the empowerment of individuals, families, groups, and communities. She has experience working with adults and children on the Autism spectrum, coordinating social skills groups for adults and children with ASD, and facilitating support groups.

Johanna is a Social Work educator and field supervisor at both the University of Tasmania and Flinders University. She currently runs day retreats for carers, professionals, and adults on the Spectrum to take time out to explore their values, learn self-compassion and gain ACT skills which they can use in their daily life.