Learning Connections Conference 2024

Services for children diagnosed on the autism spectrum (ASD) have changed across the past 7 years as a result of many factors, including the reform of the Ontario Autism Program (OAP). Now more than ever, students need to graduate from college with immediately applicable skills as there is an ASD provider shortage in Ontario. To increase access to meaningful active learning experiences, the Autism and Behavioural Science program at SLC partnered with the A. Britton Smith Centre for Behavioural Studies to launch a student run clinic for children with autism in the local area to provide support with certain skills (e.g. communication, social skills, problem solving, emotional regulation etc.). This innovative learning experience was delivered over 6 weeks, during which time clinical services were supervised by program faculty and associated staff from the A. Britton Smith Centre for Behavioural Studies. This session will detail this innovative approach to course-based, hands-on learning which was immersive and generalizable to real-world applications. Participants in this session will have the opportunity to workshop opportunities to generate similar immersive learning experiences centered around appropriate student skills, faculty expertise, and SLC resources.