Autism in Early Years

Autism in the Early Years: A practical, inclusive training course for early years practitioners.
Learn how to recognise early signs of autism, support autistic children with confidence, work in partnership with families, adapt environments, understand behaviour as communication, and embed inclusive practice across the Early Years Foundation Stage 2025.
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Module Contents

Each module contains 1 x lesson video and 1 x multiple choice quiz.
  • Module 1 — Introduction to Autism in the Early Years
    A foundation module exploring what autism is, why misconceptions cause harm, and how awareness protects children’s wellbeing. 

  • Module 2 — What Is Autism?
    An overview of autism as a neuro-developmental difference, including diagnostic criteria, strengths, and why understanding matters for inclusive practice. 

  • Module 3 — Early Signs of Autism in Young Children
    Learn the key early communication, social, sensory, play, and emotional signs that help practitioners recognise autistic traits sensitively and accurately. 

  • Module 4 — Autism in Girls: The Hidden Story
    A focused module on how autism often presents differently in girls, why masking leads to missed diagnoses, and how to identify subtle traits. 

  • Module 5 — Understanding the Autistic Lived Experience
    Explore autism through a neurodiversity lens, centring autistic voices, sensory experience, emotional needs, and the importance of belonging. 

  • Module 6 — Autism and the Early Years Foundation Stage 2025
    Understand statutory EYFS requirements, inclusive planning, co-regulation, individual adaptation, and strengths-based expectations for autistic children. 

  • Module 7 — Supporting Autistic Children: The Practical Approach
    Practical strategies for adapting environments, routines, communication, and sensory support to create safe, predictable, child-centred practice. 

  • Module 8 — Behaviour Is Communication
    Learn how to interpret meltdowns, shutdowns, emotional distress, and behaviour through an empathetic, needs-based lens rather than labels. 

  • Module 9 — Building Inclusion and Belonging
    Explore how to create inclusive environments, flexible participation, peer support, and emotionally safe early years spaces where autistic children thrive. 

  • Module 10 — Parents as Partners
    Understand how to work sensitively with parents through non-judgement, emotional support, shared goals, and clear communication during the diagnosis journey. 

  • Module 11 — The Role of the Key Person and Special Educational Needs Coordinator
    Learn how these roles collaborate to observe effectively, document sensitively, use the Graduated Approach, and build relational safety. 

  • Module 12 — Supporting Transitions and School Readiness
    Practical guidance on preparing autistic children for change, coordinating with schools, reducing anxiety, and ensuring emotionally and sensory-safe transitions.

Learners

Assignments

Hours

Videos