Lots of workplaces are recognising the value that neurodivergent individuals can bring to their operations, such as attention to detail and creativity. In addition to this, a greater understanding and acceptance of different types of communication styles gives a comparative advantage to any organisation in its day-to-day work.
Our Autism understanding and acceptance training sessions are designed to be an introduction to Autism. They help participants to recognise different neurotypes and offer a brief history of Autism, including an explanation of why some people may think that this is a comparatively new condition. In addition to this, practical strategies to cater for the needs of autistic people are explored.
We also provide bespoke sessions based on particular circumstances and operations which can be tailored to suit a specific working environment. This includes looking at strengths and challenges, and strategies for success. This could be workforce-focused, or customer-focused.
Our sessions are delivered by a highly qualified autism educational consultant and can be adapted for different size teams and levels of seniority.
We offer face-to-face sessions, in which the trainer can be available for as little as a half day.
Some of the services we can offer through our schools partner
Whole Staff INSET and Twilight Training (Teachers, Support Staff and Governors)
Autism advice/training and implementation of strategies such as Lego therapy, Social Stories, five-point scales etc
SENDCO Support
Reports for requesting EHCPs
Support with EHC Reviews
Pupil Observations – strategies and next steps
Small Group / 1:1 intervention
Social groups
Specialist Advice reports to support ECHPs
Attendance at reviews
Personalised advice to parents / carers
Appointments for work in schools can be made through the
Inclusion Solutions website.
We set up bespoke packages for pupils who cannot regularly attend school, including remote touching base sessions, remote teaching, face-to-face sessions and complete EOTAS programs, helping to commission services from other trusted colleagues.
We have experience of working with children who have school based trauma and who are recovering from burnout, PDA, and working with highly individualized bespoke plans as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
In addition to this, we have acted as an advocate and trusted advice-giver to families trying to get the best experience they can for their child in school.
Many people in the past have used a deficit model to approach working with autistic people.
We passionately believe that an approach focussing on and developing the many abilities that are unlocked in the autistic individual, while listening and keeping the lived experience of people at the forefront of our work is a far better way to explore and support life's journey together.
We provide Autism consultancy, education, advocacy, support and intervention to schools, individuals, and business in the North-West of England.
Spectrum Advantage is led by Grant Carruthers B.Ed, National SENDCo award, P.Cert (Autism).
Grant is a teacher who most of all enjoys helping children feel comfortable, valued, and the best they can be. With over a decade of experience as a SENDCo and Senior Leader in secondary education, he has set up specialist programs for autistic children, working closely with parents on subjects such as context blindness and social stories practiced in real life situations. He has offered pupil support in primary, secondary and specialist settings, and has acted as a consultant to senior leaders in independent specialist providers. He is used to providing quality training and CPD in his capacity as an Assistant Headteacher, but is most at home working with young people finding ways for them to feel happy and achieve day-to-day.
