This offering of SPECTRUM is full. You are welcome to put your name forward for a wait list. Thank you everyone for your overwhelming support!

SPECTRUM: Lifespan Autism Resources & Training is an exciting, innovative online course, developed collaboratively with stakeholders from across the Columbia Basin. Almost four years in the making, it offers perspectives about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) across the lifespan, using a story-based multimedia approach and Moodle, a simple learning platform.

This pilot course consists of 12 modules. Learn online from home as it fits into your schedule.

SPECTRUM:

• is online, providing flexibility, making it accessible for parents and working professionals
• has a lifespan focus from early years to seniors, offering practical applications in applied settings
• offers varied perspectives on each topic through interviews and research and is appreciative in its approach
• uses multi-modal teaching with adaptations like Closed Captioning of videos and information on the Moodle platform available in text to speech
• includes real-life case example stories to elaborate on the content while bringing information and insights into context
• has a regional focus using filmed interviews with local stakeholders as well as local information and resources
• includes technical and content support

SPECTRUM will appeal to Education Assistants, Teachers, Early Childhood Educators, Caregivers and Community Support Workers who want to increase their qualifications and broaden their resume. In School Districts 51, 10, 8 and 20, this course meets the Autism Training Requirements.

The training and resources are also valuable for parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, coaches, store clerks, bus drivers, individuals with ASD and anyone living in community.

Each SPECTRUM module includes:

• a warm welcome exploring the relevance of each topic
• stories and interviews
• information about the topic presented as a “book”
• relevant current links to articles and videos and resources
• activities and self-assessment tools
• a helpful downloadable handout including practical tools

SPECTRUM Topics Include:

• History
• Labels, Neurodiversity
• Prevalence
• What is Autism?
• Communication and Social Interactions
• Understanding and Supporting Positive Behaviour
• Sensory Processing
• Underlying Differences
• Diagnosis Process
• Evidence-based Causes, Theories and Treatments
• Significant Transitions through the Lifespan
• Strengths

Connecting with Community Online

Follow more about this new online Selkirk College course on Facebook - SPECTRUM: LifeSpan Autism Training & Resources. And follow our new blog! Read an excerpt below and continue on our page:

[Our blog is a] ... a place where you can get to know us better – our philosophy, our guiding principles. It’s also a place where you can leave us notes, be part of a conversation (even if you are not enrolled in the course. There is a lot of wonderful information out there, and we’ve spent the last few years trying to find the best of the best – and we welcome what you have to offer. Please take time to talk to us.

Selkirk College acknowledges the support of Columbia Basin Trust who provided funds for development of this innovative course that will benefit residents of the Columbia Basin region.