CERTIFICATION IN CRISIS INTERVENTION

To equip participants with the necessary skills, tools, and knowledge to effectively manage crises in children with autism, focusing on emotional regulation, prevention strategies, and intervention techniques.

Day 1: Understanding Autism and Crisis Situations

Session 1: Introduction to Autism and Crisis Management (2 hours)

Objective: Understand autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and common crisis situations autistic children may face.

Topics Covered:

Brief overview of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

What constitutes a "crisis" in the context of autism?

Common triggers for crises (sensory overload, change in routine, communication challenges)

Differences in crisis response: meltdown vs. shutdown

Session 2: Early Warning Signs and Prevention (2 hours)

Objective: Learn how to identify early warning signs of a crisis and take preventative measures.

Topics Covered:

Understanding precursors to crises: sensory overload, frustration, fatigue

Behavioral cues to watch for: pacing, repetitive movements, increased vocalizations

Techniques for de-escalation before a full-blown crisis (offering choices, sensory breaks)

Day 2: Managing Crisis Situations

Session 1: Calming Strategies and Immediate Response (3 hours)

Objective: Develop immediate response strategies during a crisis to help the child regulate emotions.

Topics Covered:

Verbal vs. non-verbal communication during a crisis

Using visual aids and calming tools (sensory toys, weighted blankets)

The importance of staying calm and regulating your own emotions

Redirecting the child’s focus and attention

Session 2: Physical Intervention and Safety (2 hours)

Objective: Learn appropriate physical intervention methods, ensuring the safety of the child and others.

Topics Covered:

When and how to intervene physically, if necessary

Safe spaces: creating crisis management-friendly environments

Ensuring the safety of the child and others during physical interventions

Illustrations:

Diagrams on safe holding techniques and how to maintain a safe space during a crisis.

Day 3: Post-Crisis Recovery and Long-term Strategies

Session 1: Post-Crisis Recovery and Reflection (3 hours)

Objective: Understand how to help the child recover and re-integrate after a crisis.

Topics Covered:

Importance of post-crisis care: debriefing with the child

Using visual schedules or social stories to explain the situation

Offering choices to help regain a sense of control

Tracking progress: using journals or apps to monitor crisis occurrences

Session 2: Long-term Crisis Prevention and Intervention Plans (2 hours)

Objective: Develop long-term strategies and individualized crisis management plans.

Topics Covered:

Creating a personalized crisis plan for the child: identifying triggers, responses, and support needs

Collaboration with family members, teachers, and therapists

Long-term goals: reducing crisis frequency and intensity

Role of ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) and other therapeutic interventions in long-term prevention

Day 4 : Real-Life Application and Role-Playing

Session 1: Crisis Role-Playing Exercises (3 hours)

Objective: Practice crisis management through real-life scenarios and role-playing exercises.

Topics Covered:

Role-playing different crisis situations (e.g., public meltdowns, classroom disruptions)

Implementing different de-escalation strategies and physical interventions

Self-reflection and group feedback on techniques

Session 2: Final Q&A and Certification (1 hour)

Objective: Recap of key concepts, final Q&A session, and certification distribution.

Topics Covered:

Recap of essential skills learned during the course

Open Q&A for participants to clarify any uncertainties

Certification ceremony for completing the crisis management course.