Communication and Language Support for Autistic Children and Young People

What You'll Learn

Session 1: Autism and Communication
Gain an understanding of autism and neurodiversity, and explore communication processes and Gestalt Language Processing through a strength-based lens.

Session 2: Sensory Development and Sensory Integration
Discover how to recognise different sensory profiles and use practical strategies to support the sensory needs of autistic individuals.

Session 3: Communication Differences
Learn how to observe, respect, and respond positively to unique communication styles, including echolalia and physical communication.

Session 4: The Learning Environment
Explore how to create inclusive, visually supported environments that foster attention and meet individual learning needs.

Session 5: Encouraging Positive Interaction
Understand your role in promoting positive social interactions through neuro-affirming, child-led approaches and the concept of Double Empathy.

Session 6: Supporting Social Communication
Gain practical ideas to support peer interactions, inclusive play, and communication adaptations that encourage social connection.

Session 7: Developing verbal reasoning and The Blank Language Scheme
Learn how to build verbal reasoning and comprehension skills using a structured language model relevant to autistic learners.

Session 8: Supporting language development
Develop strategies to support vocabulary growth, narrative skills, and concept development through visual and contextual learning.

Session 9: Behaviour is Communication
Understand behaviour as a form of communication and apply course learning to respond supportively and proactively.

Session 10: Outcomes
Reflect on course outcomes and learn how to apply neuro-affirming language in your reports, goals, and everyday practice.

Accreditation

This course is accredited by OCN London at Levels 2 and 3.

Who Should Join

Teachers and TAs in mainstream or SEN settings
Speech and language support staff
SENCOs and Inclusion Leads
Early Years Practitioners

Available courses

Accredited Online Training

Nov 2025 - Feb 2026

starts Mon 3rd Nov, 3:30pm

Jan - May 2026

starts Tue 27th Jan, 3:30pm

Feb - May 2026

starts Thu 5th Feb, 10:00am

Face-to-Face Training

Find upcoming courses

Further training opportunities

NEW! CPD Workshops

We offer a range of one-hour CPD workshops over one or two sessions designed specifically for Elklan-trained practitioners working in Early Years and Key Stages 1 and 2.

Let's Talk courses for parents and carers

If you achieve a level 3 qualification in Communication and Language Support for Autistic Children and Young People, you can train to deliver Let's Communicate Together to parents and carers of children with speech and language needs in your school. Following a one-day course, you'll be qualified as a Let's Talk Tutor, able to cascade the Let's Talk course under licence.

Communication Friendly Settings (CFS)

Communication and Language Support for Autistic Children and Young People is an essential first step for your school to achieve Communication Friendly Setting status. If you are a TA, you need to complete the level 3 qualification; if you are a teacher, then you can access the non-accredited e-learning sessions, which will prepare you to complete a level 4 learning log at the next stage.