Autism: Evidence into Practice - An interdisciplinary education series

This webinar series, presented by Rochelle Thanjan (ST) and Tamaryn Hunter(OT), will guide health care professionals and educators to translate evidence into your daily work with autistic individuals.

This series consists of the following:

1. 1 pre-recording
2. 2 articles
3. 3 webinar sessions

Each of the elements below can be ordered separately (prices listed below), or as part of a combo.

The combo includes the 3 webinar sessions and the 2 articles; it does NOT include the pre-recording.

Combo Discount – R 1350

Payment plan available (use last ticketing option)

Pre-recording:

Introductory considerations to support autistic children in a neurodivergent affirming way (pre-recording | R325pp | 2 Clinical CPDs applied for)

*NOTE: This pre-recording is the same pre-recording that we made available during our 2024 Series. It is thus sold separately from the rest of the series.

It will be beneficial for you to attend the rest of the series with background knowledge of this topic.

This pre-recording, presented by Rochelle Thanjan (ST) will set the stage for the rest of the sessions. Topics will include:

• How a developmental framework applies to autism;
• Team approach: consider the whole child to facilitate holistic development.;
• Play based approach vs direct approaches.

Articles:

(Articles + MCQs | R250 per article | 2 Clinical + 2 Ethical CPDs applied for)

1. Chen, Y. J., Sideris, J., Watson, L. R., Crais, E. R., & Baranek, G. T. (2025). Developmental impacts of early sensory patterns on school-age adaptive, maladaptive, and participation outcomes in autistic and non-autistic children. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 55, 4033–4044. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-024-06494-0

By engaging with this article, delegates will gain a deeper appreciation of the long-term impact of early sensory processing patterns on children's development, behaviour and participation in everyday life. Drawing on findings from a large longitudinal study, the article demonstrates how sensory differences can influence adaptive functioning, motor skills, emotional wellbeing and engagement across home, school and community settings. Delegates will enhance their understanding of the importance of early identification, comprehensive assessment and individualised supports, while recognising how sensory processing should be considered within collaborative, evidence-based approaches to promoting participation and functional outcomes for autistic children.

1. Cherewick, M., & Matergia, M. (2024). Neurodiversity in practice: A conceptual model of autistic strengths and potential mechanisms of change to support positive mental health and wellbeing in autistic children and adolescents. Advances in Neurodevelopmental Disorders, 8(4), 408–422. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41252-023-00348-z

By engaging with this article, delegates will gain an evidence-informed understanding of the principles underpinning neurodiversity-affirming, strengths-based practice in autism. The article explores how recognising and building on autistic strengths—rather than focusing solely on areas of difficulty—can support positive mental health, wellbeing and meaningful participation. Delegates will deepen their understanding of the theoretical mechanisms through which strengths-based interventions may influence emotional, cognitive, behavioural and social outcomes, while reflecting on how these concepts can be incorporated into ethical, person-centred and family-centred clinical practice across a range of professional disciplines.

Webinars:

20 August 2026 |Session 1: Speech & Language: Communication Beyond Words (Webinar | R 375 pp | 2 Clinical CPDs applied for | Presented by Rochelle Thanjan (ST))

This presentation explores the diverse ways autistic children communicate, recognising that communication extends far beyond spoken language. Participants will gain an understanding of speech and language development, receptive and expressive language differences, social communication, and alternative forms of communication. Grounded in a neurodiversity-affirming framework, the session will focus on identifying communication strengths, understanding support needs, and implementing practical strategies that promote meaningful participation, connection, and autonomy across everyday environments.

27 August 2026 |Session 2: Feeding in Autism: Understanding Sensory & Oromotor Factors (Webinar | R 375 pp | 2 Clinical CPDs applied for | Presented by Rochelle Thanjan (ST) & Tamaryn Hunter (OT))

Feeding differences are common in autistic children and may be influenced by a complex interaction of sensory processing, motor skills, communication, medical factors, and individual preferences. Presented jointly by a Speech Therapist and Occupational Therapist, this session explores the sensory and oromotor foundations of feeding, helping participants understand why some children experience challenges with food acceptance, variety, mealtimes, and oral-motor skills. Using a neurodiversity-affirming approach, the presentation will provide practical, evidence-informed strategies to support positive feeding experiences, reduce mealtime stress, and promote participation while respecting each child's unique sensory and developmental profile.

03 September | Session 3: Understanding Praxis: Motor Planning in Autism (Webinar | R 375 pp | 2 Clinical CPDs applied for | Presented by Tamaryn Hunter (OT))

In session 3 we will be looking at praxis (motor planning) and how it impacts on the attainment of skills in our Autistic clients. In this population, it is often difficult to use standardised testing, and as such it is essential that we learn how to make appropriate observations so as to gain a better understanding of our clients’ motor planning and how it impacts on function. Having a better understanding of the underlying praxis deficits that may be affecting the child’s motor skills and speech can assist us in adjusting our goals and ensuring better treatment outcomes.

More about the presenters:

Rochelle Thanjan, a Speech Therapist and Tamaryn Hunter, an Occupational Therapist, have been working it he field of autism and paediatrics for approximately 17 years. Their collective passion is working with autistic children. They work together in a medical centre and various schools. They are both certified in DIRfloortime, Makaton South African and the SOS Approach to Feeding. Rochelle is also certified in PROMPT as well as Hanen. Tamaryn is certified in Sensory Integration. They have run many workshops, courses and support groups to support therapists, parents and educators.