4-Part Webinar Series - Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) (P) (PP) (SNA)

Webinar Series - Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS)

DATES:    Wednesdays - 22 February, 1, 8 and 15 March 2023
TIME:        7pm to 8pm
VENUE:    Zoom 
COST:      €20 for the series of webinars

• This webinar brings it all together in The GetAutismActive Online Resource Kit. This is a teaching and learning tool which I have developed and refined over years of research and innovation. It includes the 19 skills of movement i.e. running, jumping, kicking, dodging etc. It is designed using an “eclectic” approach and has taken best practice from each of a number of teaching and learning methodologies. Hence each skill comes with a video demonstration, a checklist of how the skill is broken down into steps, a voice over prompt with key cues, an incidental teaching and learning guide and a guide to evaluate each session. Proprioceptive stretches are included to use before and after each

ASD/FMS webinar information

These webinars help to grow our awareness and understanding of autism spectrum disorders. Equally, they help us come from an ability based perspective rather than a deficit model i.e. we focus on what our student can do and build on from there.These webinars help to grow our awareness and understanding of autism spectrum disorders. Equally, they help us come from an ability based perspective rather than a deficit model i.e. we focus on what our student can do and build on from there.

The webinars promote an “eclectic” approach when choosing different approaches, interventions and strategies when working with participants on the spectrum. This means we use a combination of approaches to plan, implement and evaluate what works for each participant.

The webinars promote a deep understanding of the role of movement skills to address sensory integration dysfunction for the population on the spectrum. By adapting the environment and the skill we are teaching to accommodate the individual, we will benefit from greater engagement and more productive participation.

The webinars explain that motor impairment and delay is common for people with ASD. Refinement of motor skills are essential for participation in education and everyday life.The webinars explain that motor impairment and delay is common for people with ASD. Refinement of motor skills are essential for participation in education and everyday life.

By addressing FMS training the webinars promote the development of health related physical activity and participation in exercise and sport which is essential especially in the era of Covid 19, as obesity is now seen as a serious risk factor for those contracting the infection.

The webinars explain that addressing issues of teaching, learning, sensory dysfunction and movement skill development provide avenues of regulation for physical, emotional, social and psychomotor wellbeing especially when students are feeling stressed and overwhelmed.

The webinars explore how participation in FMS training for this population provides opportunity to develop speech, language and cognition using the principles of Incidental teaching and learning.

Dr Susan Crawford PhD, Autism Spectrum Disorder Consultant, Fulbright Scholar, Masters in Teaching & Learning, BScSport & Exercise Science, Registered Midwife and Registered General Nurse.

I originally trained as a general nurse and midwife and worked in these combined fields both nationally and internationally before returning to complete a BSc in Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Limerick. On graduating, I worked in exercise prescription and sport injury management. I completed my Ph.D. in Autism and movement impairment in the University of Limerick. From here I went on to join the Staff of The School of Education in U.C.C from 2008-2019 where I worked as a lecturer and researcher. I lectured on the B.Ed Sports Studies and Physical Education and the Masters in Education programmes. I continued my research particularly in the combined areas of Autism, movement and university/School/Community collaboration. I received a number of awards and recognition for this work to include The President’s Award, Digital Champion and Fulbright Scholarship and Fulbright Alumni award. After becoming became a Fulbright Scholar in 2015, I travelled and worked with the University of San Francisco to go on to create and develop the “GetAutismActive” online resource kit. In 2019, I left UCC and went into full autism training and consulting fulltime. I have presented workshops, keynote addresses, motivational speeches to both parents and professionals ina variety of disciplines. I have also published and engaged with diverse groups and communities both nationally and internationally across different disciplines and ages. I am the mother of a young man Tomás with autism. Together we have completed runs, hikes, trails, swims and more all over the world. My philosophy is very much about celebrating ability and I firmly believe “it’s never too late to learn a new skill” a variety of disciplines. I have also published and engaged with diverse groups and communities both nationally and internationally across different disciplines and ages. I am the mother of a young man Tomás with autism. Together we have completed runs, hikes, trails, swims and more all over the world. My philosophy is very much about celebrating ability and I firmly believe “it’s never too late to learn a new skill”.

I think this is a timely opportunity to address supporting our students/adults returning to school environments/care settings while also promoting their holistic health, learning and well-being in the process. Equally it provides our teachers and SNAs with the knowledge, skills and resources to engage meaningfully and without stress with their students/service users especially in this Covid 19 era.