Autism Demystification Online Course

The Autism Demystification® Online Course is a train, the trainer, self-directed, interactive online course that includes six learning modules. Each model builds on learning by providing the user with an understanding of the principles and practices of the Autism Demystification® Model. The course then walks the user through how to implement our Autism Demystification® Puppet Program with the children they support in their local schools or other community settings. Upon completion of the course, the user may download the complete curriculum including implementation manual, colouring storybook, video of the puppet play, and other support materials. This course takes most users 4 to 6 hours to complete (6 hours of professional development).

The goal of the course is to provide participants with the tools and techniques to prepare them to implement the Friend 2 Friend Autism Demystification® Puppet Program with children they serve ages 3 to 10. 

1. Build insight and empathy towards individuals with autism,
2. Build understanding the key elements for successful program delivery,
3. Build capacity by preparing participants to deliver the program to achieve maximum benefit, applying the guiding principles of the model and Society.

Module 1: Introduction

Module 2: About the Society

• Identify key phrases in the Society’s mission statement
• Distinguish keys values of the Society
• Describe the programs offered by the Society
• Identify the philosophy of the Society

Module 3: Guiding Principles (Autism Demystification® Model)

• Recognize the guiding principle of the model
• List the key conceptual learning goals of the model
• Identify the teaching steps in the model
• List the prosocial communication strategies as part of the model
• Identify the steps in social movement as part of the model

Module 4: What Does it Feel Like to Have Autism?

• Recognize the sensory, communication and regulatory needs of individual with autism
• List four techniques for enhancing communication
• Identify the connection between convention and unconventional behavioural and communication strategies
• Recognize your own regulatory needs and how they relate to individuals with autism
• Recognize the importance of affinities in supporting individuals with autism
• Apply our 4-step teaching model to demystify the sensory communication and regulatory needs of individuals with autism

Module 5: Implementing the Program

• Apply our six multimodal learning opportunities of the Friend 2 Friend Puppet Program with children ages 3 to 10

Module 6: Wrap Up