JC A-Connect: Evidence-based engagement Skills for Pre-schoolers with Suspected / Confirmed Developmental Delay or Autism

Overview

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) professionals and parents of children with ASD and/or developmental delays encounter significant challenges, and those waiting for their child's assessment or services are even more worried.

JC A-Connect, which provides holistic support to ASD children, families, schools and professionals, introduced an evidence-based programme developed by World Health Organization (WHO) to Hong Kong in 2018 targeting pre-schoolers with suspected or diagnosed autism or developmental delay. Originated as a parent-mediated programme, the programme aims to support participants to convert daily activities into shared routines, boosting regular joint engagement experiences that provide opportunities to build children’s social communicative skills. Speakers will share some core skills that foster the children’s engagement and spontaneous communication to facilitate educators’ daily application at pre-school settings. The programme, Caregiver Skills Training Programme, is an evidence-based programme that is recently localised and validated by the University of Hong Kong. It is also currently under field testing in more than 30 regions around the world.