Understanding Autism in Children

Course Summary
Course Code: HO5B44OL25
Start Date: Friday 13 March 2026
Start Time and Lesson Duration: 12:00 for 2.50 hours
Duration: 2 lessons over 2 week(s)
Location: Online Live
Fee: Free Help
Description
This supportive two-part course is designed to help parents and carers gain a deeper understanding of Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and how it affects children in their daily lives. Led by a qualified Family Learning Tutor, the sessions explore how autism can influence communication, sensory processing, emotional regulation, and social interaction—both at home and in school.
What is this course about?
An opportunity to discuss with tutors and peers about how challenging parenting a SEND child can be. You will receive practical tips and advice on how to make family life just that little bit easier. This is an adults only LIVE course so you need to log in at the given time.
Who is the course for?
Parents/carers and grandparents of school aged children living in Essex who has (or is looking after) a child with SEND (your child does not need to have been identified as having a SEND need, or going through the assessment process)
What can I expect to learn?
Parenting a child with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) can be rewarding but it also comes with unique challenges. This workshop is here to support you with practical tips and strategies that are tailored to your child’s individual needs.
Together, we will explore ways to:
Discover ways to create routines and boundaries that make your child feel secure and valued.
Use positive approaches to manage behaviour and build routines
Strengthen your confidence as a parent or carer
You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with other parents and carers who may be facing similar experiences. It’s a safe, welcoming space to share, learn, and feel supported.
Whether your child has a diagnosis or is currently being assessed, this workshop is designed to meet you where you are and help you move forward with confidence.
How will I learn?
This course is being run online as a LIVE event. The session will be facilitated by the tutor in an informal and relaxed environment.
How will I know how well I am doing?
You will be given tutor feedback at the end of each task. The tutor will work with you to help you to think about your progress and decide on the next course which is right for you.
Will I have to do any work at home?
This is a live, online series of sessions.
What will I need to provide?
A phone, laptop or tablet which can connect to the internet.
GUIDANCE FOR ONLINE SESSIONS
1 Online sessions are hosted via Microsoft Teams
2 A link will be sent to your email address between 1 to 24 hours prior to the session commencing
3 Please check your junk / spam folder, as sometimes the session links are sent here by your email provider
4 If you are signing up to a course less than 24 hours of the course start time, or after the first session has commenced, please enrol on the course and email aclfamilylearning@essex.gov.uk
Are there any other costs?
There are no extra costs associated with this course
What can I do next?
When you finish this workshop we will provide you with details about what programmes you can move on to next.
Further Information
For all enquiries regarding this course please contact either ACLFamilyLearning@essex.gov.uk