Understand the unique needs of autistic learners


Set your students up for success.

What will I learn?

  • Learning

    Discover some of the ways autistic learners differ from neurotypical learners, how these differences present in the classroom, and how to support students in ways that eliminate the common barriers to learning.

  • Belonging

    Learn how you can help your autistic students experience the feeling of belonging to their school community.

    Explore strategies to foster understanding and respect between peers, and establish a culture of inclusion.

  • Behaviour

    Develop an understanding of the autonomic nervous system, so you will be better equippped to identify the 'why' behind behaviour.

    Learn what you can do to prevent overwhelm, anxiety, aggression, and meltdowns.

Learn the Framework

Level One

  • The 8 Stages

    Discover the 8 stage process of building a Safe House, tailored to meet the specific needs of educators.

    Level One includes video lessons, a workbook, quizzes, and fictional case studies to illustrate key concepts.

  • Interactive workbook

    Consolidate your learning.

    The workbook activities are designed to guide you through the process of reflection and self-assessment, helping you customise the framework your own role.

  • Toolkit

    Use what you have learned.

    The course materials include a set of checklists and templates, ready for you to download and use immediately.

Developed using learning design best-practices

So it is accessible, and neurodivergent-friendly

Implement the Framework

Level Two

  • Redefining Realities: Unpacking Dominant and Divergent Narratives

    In this workshop, we explore and critique the 'disordered' narrative, highlighting the dynamics of power and oppression that have shaped the neurodiversity movement.

    This simple, yet powerful workshop is designed to deepen your understanding of the autistic experience, and strengthen your affirming mindset.

  • Tools of the Trade: Supplies for Your Inclusive Teaching Toolbox

    In this workshop, we explore the most effective ways educators can meet the unique needs of neurodivergent students through universal design strategies.

    We unpack the most common individualised adjustments autistic learners need, explaining the what, why, and how of teaching students with a range of cognitive profiles.

  • Become a Safe House: Foster a Culture of Inclusion

    In this workshop, we explore approaches educators might take to establish a culture of inclusion, and facilitate the experience of relational safety for all students.

    This workshop is full of ideas to help you educate your students on diversity, as well as a structured approach to supporting social and emotional wellbeing in the classroom.

  • BONUS

    Nurture & Nourish:
    Self-Care for Teachers

    Self-care is vital for educators, and effective self-care is a skill that can be developed.

    In this workshop we will explore tools to support self-awareness and self-reflection, and neuroscience-backed practices to protect mental health and enhance wellbeing.

Get Support

while you work through the program

  • Connect and Learn

    An hour each month, online.

    Come for peer support and accountability, to connect with other Safe House members, or to ask Valli your questions.

    You will have access to this support for 12 months.

  • Facebook Group

    A private community for Safe House Educators

    Connect with aligned colleagues, share ideas, and reach out for support in between Connect and Learn sessions.

    You will have access to this support for as long as you want.

  • Email support

    Having technical trouble? Email us and we will be ready to help.

    Ensures a smooth learning experience.

FAQ

  • Who is the program for?

    The Safe House Framework is transdisciplinary.

    This program for educators is designed specifically for teachers and support staff working with children and young people, from early childhood settings through to the secondary school.

  • Do I need prior knowledge or experience working with neurodivergent learners?

    No prior knowledge is required.

    The program is designed to meet the needs of educators at all stages of their career, from new graduate to seasoned professional.

  • What is the time commitment?

    It is estimated that it will take participants 14 - 16 hours to work through the core materials.

    The time it takes to implement the framework will vary depending on individual circumstances.

    The program is on-demand so you can work through it at a pace that suits your learning style, and refer back to materials as needed.

    There is a lot of introspection and reflection built into the program. Like most things in life, the more you put into it, the more you will get out of it.
    You will have access to materials for 12 months, and access to support via monthly Connect and Learn sessions.

  • How long do I have access?

    You will have access to all course materials, and Connect and Learn sessions, for 12 months from the date of enrolment.

  • How often can I attend Connect and Learn?

    As often as you like!

    The Connect and Learn sessions will be held monthly, and are open to participants at any stage of the program.

    These sessions are an excellent resource for anyone wanting to clarify their understanding of the framework.

  • Why is the program self-paced?

    Self-paced delivery of learning material is the most accessible option, because it caters to the widest variety of individual differences.

    It offers the flexibility to choose when, where, and for how long you learn. You have the option to slow down and review material to clarify your understanding. And you can refer back to the material at a later date if you need to.

    Also, the program is designed to facilitate a paradigm shift, and that takes time! You will get the most out of the program by working through the material at your own pace, giving yourself time to process and reflect, and joining the Connect and Learn sessions to process and reflect with other participants.

  • What if I need more structure to stay on track?

    While self-paced delivery of learning material caters to the widest variety of individual differences, it doesn’t suit everyone. If you are someone whose motivation lags without the support of others, I get it! There is an option to connect with other participants and support each other through body doubling.

    Q: What is body doubling?
    A: Body doubling is working together for better productivity.

    Q: Who should work with a body double?
    A: Anyone who finds they're struggling to stay on task working alone! A lot of neurodivergent people find it easier to stay focused when someone else is around to keep them company.

    Q: What does a body double do?
    A: A body double doesn’t need to help or even say anything. It’s really just about being there - the sense accountability that comes with the presence of a body double helps the person focus and get things done.

    Q: How does body doubling work for online learning?
    A: You can body double on the phone, by just keeping the line open. Or on zoom, by joining a sometimes speaking, but mostly just silently being there.

    Q: I think I'll try working with a body double. Where do I find someone to body double with?
    A: Go to the discussion section in the Welcome module. You will find a post inviting participants to connect. And if you would like me to set up a zoom room for people to come together for support, let me know. I would be very happy to work alongside you!

Why choose this training?

  • Neurodivergent Led

    The program was developed by a neurodivergent clinical psychologist - bringing together a wealth of knowledge and expertise, and the wisdom gained through both professional and lived experience.

    Valli has experience working with children and young people in schools, residential settings, and private practice, and understands the unique challenges faced by both teachers and students.

  • Transdisciplinary

    The framework is transdisciplinary, and is designed to facilitate collaboration between educators and health teams.

    The training program is holistic, nuanced, and detailed. You will finish the training with a thorough understanding of the mindset, knowledge base, and skill set required for neurodiversity affirming education, along with your own personalised implementation plan, and a tool kit to use in your classroom immediately.

  • Competence and Confidence

    The program will guide you through building an affirming classroom from the ground up.

    Feel competent and confident in your support of autistic learners, and help make the world a kinder place for neurodivergent children and young people.

Want to know more?

Watch the free webinar

Shifting the Paradigm around
Autism in Education

WATCH NOW

Learning Outcomes

The program is designed to empower teachers with the knowledge and skills needed to confidently support their autistic students in alignment with the Disability Standards for Education (2005)

Understanding

By the end of the program, participants will be able to:

  • Define autism as a spectrum, with an infinite number of unique presentations

  • Describe core features of the autistic neurotype using affirming language

  • Describe the mental and physical health conditions that commonly co-occur with autism, and their relevance within the context of school.

  • Identify common differences between neurotypical and autistic social styles, with emphasis on presentation in school contexts

  • Describe trauma and its impacts on learning and behaviour

  • Recognise and respond to early signs of stress and distress, and identify common stress behaviours in autistic students

  • Develop evidence-based individualised adjustments in consultation and collaboration with relevant members of the student's team

Belonging

By the end of the program, participants will be able to:

  • List common barriers to social inclusion for autistic students

  • Describe the core features of a neuro-affirming learning environment

  • Explain the role of relational safety in inclusive communities

  • Design, deliver, and evaluate an inclusive social skills lesson

Engagement

By the end of the program, participants will be able to:

  • Identify common barriers to engagement for autistic students

  • Explain the role of adjustments as a proactive approach to supporting engagement

  • Respond to emotional and behavioural dysregulation

  • Incorporate universal design strategies and individualised adjustments intended to support the engagement of autistic students

  • Analyse behaviours through a lens of autonomic nervous system functioning, and formulate hypotheses regarding underlying support needs.

Learning

By the end of the program, participants will be able to:

  • List common thinking styles observed in autistic learners, and describe their relevance within the context of school

  • Describe common barriers to learning for autistic students

  • Explain how adjustments enable the learning of autistic students

  • Explain the functional impact of cognitive differences commonly observed in autistic learners

  • Apply evidence-based instructional adjustments required by learners with a range of common cognitive profiles

The Safe House Framework™ takes a big idea, and breaks it down into simple, actionable steps

This program takes the overwhelm out of supporting autistic learners

Refine your professional practice

and help create a more accepting, supportive, and inclusive education system for neurodivergent learners

Count me in!

Feedback on the program for Health Professionals

“Valli has a rare ability, call it a gift, for explaining complex ideas and situations in a way that is easily accessible, and moving those ideas into practical achievable outcomes.”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“This course should be compulsory for anyone who works or lives with a young Autistic person, so that we can better understand and support them, and ourselves.”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Valli combines lived experience, deep research, and years of on-the-ground experience with a clear and relatable presentation style. ”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Still curious?

Read the book!

My number one aim is to share helpful information, so the PDF is free to download.

Or if you're someone who prefers to hold a book and turn the pages, the paperback is available on Amazon.
Download the book