Dear Forum member

As a provider of training workshops and short courses for therapists, I have recently encountered a hitherto unmet need for greater understanding of Asperger Syndrome (AS), particularly from counsellors in HE institutions. My subsequent enquiries show just how significantly the number of HE students with AS has increased, and how this has impacted on the work of many staff in student support services. Consequently, we have constructed a training day, to be held in Nottingham, for this particular staff group -- please see details below. I would much appreciate your assistance in disseminating this information to colleagues in your professional network who may be interested. Should you have any questions or observations, I'd be delighted to hear from you.

With kind regards

Richard Broadley MA, DipEd, DCG, UKRCP, FRSM
Praxis - Continuing Professional Development
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SUPPORTING STUDENTS WITH ASPERGER SYNDROME IN HIGHER EDUCATION

A one-day training workshop for HE student support staff, to be delivered by
Anja Rutten BSc (Hons), MA (Counselling and Psychotherapy), PGCHPE
Saturday 8 September 2012, 9:30 am.- 5:00 pm. Fee: £75.

About the workshop:

Asperger Syndrome (AS) is at the high-functioning end of the autism spectrum which involves difficulties in socialising, interaction and problems with imagination. In addition, sensory difficulties and a narrow range of interests are common. Many people with AS experience high levels of anxiety and depression. Although awareness of the condition is growing, knowledge about and skills in working with people with AS is not commonplace. Students with AS are frequently perceived in error as lazy, awkward or even disruptive. Staff in Higher Education settings often feel ill-equipped to work successfully with this group of students, as they present with challenges and problems that do not often appear in the typical student population. Therefore such students often feel their needs are not met and, as a consequence, that their HE experience is less than satisfactory.

This workshop will:
~ provide participants with an understanding of what autism and Asperger Syndrome are,
~ explore what difficulties students with AS commonly experience in HE,
~ describe some of the ways in which professionals in HE can work more effectively with students with AS,
~ explain why certain strategies are more successful than others with students with AS,
~ offer a strong practical focus on what can be done to meet the needs of this student group.

Throughout the day there will be a mix of information input, practice examples and discussion. Opportunities can be created for discussion of participants' experiences in practice if this seems useful to group members. It is, however, not necessary to have experience of working with this group of students.

Who would benefit from attending:

This training day has been specifically designed with the needs of HE student support staff in mind. If your role involves you in direct contact (face-to-face, online or by phone) with current or prospective students (e.g. disability and mental health support, careers guidance, student welfare, student loans, etc) and have received no induction or training in this area, this workshop will be highly suitable.
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MAKING A BOOKING

You have three options:-
Visit our website at www.Praxis-CPD.net/ where you can book and pay online, or
Download a Booking Form and pay by cheque in the traditional way, or
Send an official order from your institution and we shall invoice accordingly.
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OUR CPD LOCATION: 16 Villa Road | Nottingham | NG3 4GG
Tel: + 44 (0)115 969 3396. www.Praxis-CPD.net