Empowering Paraprofessionals and Support Providers.
The HANDS in Autism® Intensive Workshop for Direct Support Providers, Paraprofessionals, Assistants and Support Personnel is designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of those working closely with individuals on the autism spectrum and has proved to be an invaluable experience for all attendees.
The sessions cover a wide array of topics, from visual schedules to physical structure and prompting. One participant shared, "Showed me a lot of ways to help with mobile schedules," highlighting the practical tools and strategies introduced during the training.
Another attendee reflected on the importance of continuous learning: "I had a good understanding of the content in today's training. However, it is always beneficial to get a refresher to put insight on something you haven't tried yet that may have overlooked." This sentiment underscores the value of revisiting familiar concepts to uncover new approaches and techniques.
The training also delved into behavioral strategies, with one participant noting, "Planned Ignoring: I learned to use simple concrete language." This approach, aimed at effectively managing challenging behaviors, was a key takeaway for many.
Participants appreciated the hands-on nature of the training, with one stating, "I enjoyed learning about physical structure and prompting." The interactive sessions allowed attendees to practice and refine their skills in a supportive environment.
The instructor's engaging teaching style was a highlight for many. "I completely like the session, especially the way the instructor explained and created breakout rooms for doing an activity on what we learned through real-life case scenarios," shared one enthusiastic participant. These breakout sessions provided a unique opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations, fostering a deeper understanding of the material.
Overall, the one-day intensive training by HANDS in Autism® left a lasting impression on all who attended. The combination of expert instruction, practical exercises, and collaborative learning ensured that paraprofessionals left equipped with new tools and renewed confidence to support individuals on the autism spectrum.