Asperger syndrome is often called a “hidden disability” because there are no visible signs of it. It is a form of autism, it lasts a lifetime, and it is often recognised later than other forms of autism, sometimes not until adulthood. This Asperger syndrome awareness training helps early years practitioners understand how the condition can affect a child, with a strong focus on sensory differences and on seeing the child’s strengths as well as their difficulties.
The course also explains where the term sits today. Children are now usually given an autism diagnosis rather than a diagnosis of Asperger syndrome, so it helps to understand both words when parents and professionals use them.
Why Asperger syndrome awareness matters
Children with Asperger syndrome are easily misread. A child who avoids being touched, stands too close, flaps their hands or shows little facial expression may be seen as rude, aggressive, thoughtless or lost in their own world. The course looks at these wrong perceptions head on, so practitioners can look past how a behaviour appears and ask what the child needs.
Sensory differences are a big part of this. Any sense can be over-sensitive or under-sensitive, or both at different times. Too much sensory information can cause stress, anxiety and even physical pain, and can lead to withdrawal, challenging behaviour or a meltdown. Small changes to the environment often make a difference, and a team that understands this can adapt a room so every child can take part.
What’s in the course
- What Asperger syndrome isA hidden, lifelong form of autism, why it is often recognised late, and the terms used for it.
- Strengths and qualitiesHonesty and directness, a wide vocabulary, attention to detail, a strong memory and a liking for rules.
- Sensory differencesHypersensitivity and hyposensitivity across the senses, sensory overload and meltdowns, with a short video.
- Helping with sensory needsBe aware, be creative, be prepared, using a sensory profile, and an “in their shoes” exercise.
- Communication and social understandingEmpathy, social rules, eye contact, personal space and relationships with others.
- Routine, change and the unknownWhy the familiar brings security, and how new people, places and unplanned events can cause anxiety.
- Physical signs and perceptionsWhat you may notice in a child, and the unfair labels children and adults with Asperger syndrome are given.
- Assessment12 questions. Pass mark 80%. Resit as many times as you need.
What you’ll learn
- Why Asperger syndrome is described as a hidden disability, and why it is often recognised late
- The strengths many people with Asperger syndrome have: openness and honesty, a wide vocabulary, attention to detail, excellent memory and a preference for clear rules
- The difference between hypersensitivity, where sounds are louder and lights brighter, and hyposensitivity, where a child might not feel that water is hot
- How sensory overload can lead to withdrawal, challenging behaviour or a meltdown, and why you should never judge a child who is struggling
- Three points for supporting sensory needs: be aware, be creative and be prepared
- Why routine matters, and how change, new people and unplanned events can make a child anxious
- Physical signs to notice, such as avoiding touch, clumsiness, difficulty with fine motor tasks like tying shoelaces, and rocking, spinning or hand flapping
- How to build a sense-by-sense profile of a child with their parent
Who this course is for
- Key persons and practitioners supporting autistic children or children awaiting assessment
- SENCOs who want a clear awareness course to share with their team
- Room leaders thinking about the sensory environment in their room
- Any practitioner who wants to understand a child’s behaviour better
How it works
- OnlineStudy on any device and pick up where you left off.
- Interactive moduleSlides and short videos you work through at your own pace.
- 12-question assessmentPass mark 80%. Resit as many times as you need.
- CertificateIssued when you pass. NFAQ accredited.
Training your team
A child with sensory differences needs the same calm, predictable response from every adult in the room, so this course works well taken by the whole team. Choose the number of learners at checkout, with group rates from 3 learners, or get it as part of the Training Portal for £5 per learner per month. It pairs well with Understanding Autism and Sensory Processing and Sensory-Friendly Environments.
Frequently asked questions
Is Asperger syndrome still diagnosed?
Children are now usually given an autism diagnosis instead. The course explains how Asperger syndrome sits within the autism spectrum and links to National Autistic Society guidance, which helps when a parent asks which word to use.
What is sensory overload?
When a child struggles to process everyday sensory information, too much of it can cause stress, anxiety and even physical pain. It may show as withdrawal, challenging behaviour or a meltdown, and it is not always obvious that the senses are the cause.
What can we change in our setting?
Small changes to the environment often help. The course uses three prompts: be aware of whether the environment is causing difficulties, be creative with positive sensory experiences, and be prepared by telling the child about sensory experiences they may meet. A sensory environment audit is included so you can check a room at child height.
Are there resources to take away?
Yes. You can download a supporting strategies quick-reference card, a child sensory profile and “in their shoes” worksheet, and a sensory environment audit covering noise, lighting, clutter, smells, crowding and calm space.
What happens if I don’t pass the assessment?
You can resit it as many times as you need until you pass. Your certificate is issued as soon as you reach the 80% pass mark.
Do I need to know about autism before I start?
No. The course starts with what Asperger syndrome is and builds from there. If you want to go further on autism more widely, Understanding Autism is a good next step.
