Forerunners in Communication

ComFor training

Friday 2nd March

09:30 – 17:00

ComFor

Forerunners in communication

Children with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability often have severe communication problems. When someone cannot sufficiently communicate by means of verbal language, other strategies need to be used. However, what does someone really understand of what he/she hears, sees and feels? Which adaptations are needed? The ComFor can help to determine how to set up communicative interventions, in particular how to tune augmentative communication to the individual needs. Individualised augmentative communication can be used to communicate for example transitions, steps within an activity, a sequence of activities, or to stimulate expressive communication. This intervention can offer clearness and predictability and enhance understanding and independence in daily life.

The ComFor is a clinical instrument to obtain an indication of individualised augmentative communication. It addresses two core questions: first, what is the most suitable form of augmentation; second, at which level of sense-making can the means chosen be offered? The target group of the ComFor consists primarily of individuals with autism spectrum disorder without or with only limited verbal communication abilities.

The main goal of the ComFor introduction course is to learn how to administer and interpret the ComFor. The course covers the theoretical framework, purpose, target group, form, content, psychometric properties, administration, interpretation, and implementation of the ComFor, illustrated with case examples. Only psychologists, psycholinguists, speech-language pathologists, psychiatrists or individuals with equivalent training can participate. Basic knowledge on and experience with autism spectrum disorder are required.

For more information, visit our website:

JarymkeMaljaars is a postdoc researcher at the Parenting and Special Education Research Unit of the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Leuven (KU Leuven, Belgium). Her current research focuses on the effectiveness of augmentative communication and other interventions for children and adults with ASD and intellectual disability. She also works as a clinician at the University Hospital with children and adolescents with ASD, intellectual disability and challenging behaviour.

An outstanding provision for children and young people with autism and learning difficulties.

Date: 2nd March 2018

Time: 09:30 – 17:00

The Garden School, Wordsworth Road, Hackney, N16 8BZ

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Programme

09:00 -09:30 / Refreshments and registration
09.30 – 11.00 / Introduction and theoretical background
11.00 – 11.15 / Break
11.15 – 12.30 / Introduction and administration ComFor
12.30 – 13.30 / Lunch break
13.30 – 15.00 / Administration and interpretation ComFor
15.00 – 15.15 / Break
15.15 – 17.00 / Interventions and concluding remarks

Nearest Overground stations: Dalston Kingsland, Dalston Junction, Rectory Road

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Standard (booking including lunch and refreshments) £150
It is the responsibility of the delegate to ensure that payment is made no later than 1 working day before the event.
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