At Lighthouse Fostering, we believe that education is one of the most powerful tools a foster carer can have. Every child is unique, with their own way of seeing and interacting with the world. To support them effectively, we need to understand their individual perspectives. This is especially true when caring for children who are autistic or neurodivergent.
We are delighted to announce the launch of our latest training course: 'Understanding & Supporting Behaviour in Autistic & Neurodivergent Children'. This new online course is now available for all our foster carers across Kent and East Sussex, designed to deepen understanding and provide practical strategies for daily life.
This training reflects our ongoing commitment to high-quality foster carer training and support. We know that when carers feel knowledgeable and confident, the children in their care feel safer and more understood.
Why This Training Matters
Neurodiversity is a concept that recognises and respects neurological differences as any other human variation. These differences can include Dyspraxia, Dyslexia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Dyscalculia, Autistic Spectrum Condition, Tourette Syndrome, and others.
For children in care, who may already be navigating trauma and attachment difficulties, being neurodivergent can add another layer of complexity to how they experience the world. Traditional parenting methods or standard behavioural strategies often do not work for neurodivergent children and can sometimes increase their distress.
This course is designed to bridge that gap. It moves away from simply "managing" behaviour and towards understanding the reason behind it. By shifting our perspective, we can move from frustration to empathy, helping to build a home environment where neurodivergent children can truly thrive.
What Will You Learn?
Our new training module is comprehensive, practical, and designed to build your confidence. It provides a toolkit of strategies that you can apply immediately in your home. The course is broken down into several key areas:
1. Foundations of Neurodiversity
We start by exploring what neurodiversity actually means. This section dispels common myths and helps carers view autism and other conditions not as deficits, but as different ways of processing information. Understanding sensory sensitivities—how lights, sounds, or textures might feel overwhelming—is a crucial part of this foundation.
2. Understanding Behaviour as Communication
One of the core principles of autism awareness is recognising that behaviour is often a form of communication. When a child has a meltdown or shuts down, they are often trying to communicate a need that isn't being met or a feeling of being overwhelmed. This training helps you become a detective, looking for the triggers and underlying causes of distress rather than just reacting to the behaviour itself.
3. Supportive Strategies
Theory is important, but practical tools are essential. We cover a range of supportive strategies to help regulate emotions and create a calming environment. This includes:
- Visual aids: Using timetables and cues to reduce anxiety about what comes next.
- Sensory breaks: Incorporating movement or quiet time to prevent sensory overload.
- Clear communication: Adjusting how we speak and give instructions to avoid confusion.
4. Building Connection & Trust
At the heart of all successful fostering is the relationship between the carer and the child. For neurodivergent children, building trust can sometimes take a little longer or look a little different. We explore how to connect with a child through their special interests, how to respect their need for space, and how to show them that they are valued exactly as they are.
5. Working as a Team
You are never alone in your fostering journey. This section focuses on how to advocate for the child in school and health settings. It covers how to work effectively with social workers, teachers, and therapists to ensure there is a consistent approach to support across all areas of the child's life.
Lighthouse Fostering’s Commitment to You
We are incredibly proud of the comprehensive training package we offer at Lighthouse Fostering. We understand that fostering is a skilled profession, and we treat it as such.
This new course is part of our broader commitment to ensuring our carers are the best prepared in the sector. Whether you are new to fostering or have years of experience, there is always something new to learn. The landscape of our understanding of neurodiversity is constantly evolving, and we are dedicated to ensuring our training keeps pace with the latest research and best practices.
By engaging with this training, you are doing more than just learning new skills. You are sending a message to the children in your care that you are willing to learn, to adapt, and to understand their world. That effort helps neurodivergent children feel safe, valued, and supported as they grow.
Start Your Learning Journey Today
We encourage all our foster carers in Kent and East Sussex to log in and access this valuable resource. It is designed to be flexible, allowing you to learn at your own pace and revisit sections whenever you need a refresher.
If you are not yet a foster carer but are interested in joining an agency that prioritises professional development and therapeutic support, we would love to hear from you. Your journey to changing a life could start today.