IPA+ Autism-training for inclusion (2016-2018)

Established in 2016 to develop a pilot training for professionals worked with persons on the autism spectrum, the Erasmus + project IPA + (Inclusion of People with Autism in Europe) as Autism-Europe.

The IPA + project proposed a new educational strategy to qualify professionals to support autistic people in different contexts and spheres of life. Those involved came from various backgrounds and have a wide set of skills.

Project partners had created and learned a comprehensive level of training for professionals. The result is a three-month "Comprehensive" course (Level I) with 7 modules and a three-month "Expert" course (Level II) with three modules. The training program has been conducted with 28 participants (including people on the autism spectrum, relatives, trainers and professionals), both of which aimed at an accurate view of the needs and expectations regarding the curricular requirements for such a training course.

Participating in the IPA + modules. Self-help strategies therefore wanted help them ease stress associated with their professional activity.

The content of the modules promotes the use of positive strategies and what is based on the following topics:

• How to recognise autism;
• Science-based or evidence-based contents;
• How to support autistic people and their families;
• What repetitive behaviors mean and how to work with autistic people;
• How to design and implement individualised plans;
• How to interact with families and involve them in the care or intervention;
• How to supervise and evaluate autistic people;
• How to collaborate and communicate with other professionals;
• How to intervene with people on the autism spectrum;
• Promotion of quality of life: independence, social aspects, etc.;
• Self-care (or well-being) of professionals.