{"id":8125,"date":"2022-06-23T12:08:14","date_gmt":"2022-06-23T11:08:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/beta.devon.gov.uk\/supportforschools\/?page_id=8125"},"modified":"2026-03-03T08:35:44","modified_gmt":"2026-03-03T08:35:44","slug":"autism-and-vulnerability","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/send\/areas-of-need\/communication-and-interaction\/autism\/autism-and-vulnerability\/","title":{"rendered":"Autism and vulnerability"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The focus of this project was to train social care, police, education setting-based staff and parents specifically to understand the particular risks of radicalisation, sexual exploitation and predatory behaviour for children on the autistic spectrum and how to identify and support those children and their parents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
Channel referral process<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

Learning outcomes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  • Increased level of knowledge and understanding across specific delegate cohorts related to risk and signs for this identified group of children and young people on the Autistic Spectrum at risks of radicalisation, sexual exploitation and predatory behaviour<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Increased level of skills developed across specific delegate cohorts to support this identified group of children and young people on the Autistic Spectrum at risks of radicalisation, sexual exploitation and predatory behaviour<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Dedicated web area known to all and accessed by agencies and parents for information and resources.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    The project was kindly funded by Devon County Council and Safer Devon partnership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    Training and evaluations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The courses were funded by Devon County Council. These half-day sessions were free to attend and supported parents and schools to safeguard children who may be at risk or vulnerable to exploitation or radicalisation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Topics covered at the half-day autism and vulnerability sessions:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • Autism awareness<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Who is vulnerable and at risk<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Defining radicalisation, exploitation and grooming<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Supportive strategies and early help<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Referral routes, processes and supporting agencies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      The training was interactive and focussed on building confidence and awareness for parents and schools. The course also offered the opportunity for networking<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Benefits of attending this half-day autism and vulnerability course:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      • Raise awareness and understanding of the key areas of difference in people with autism, and understand how these differences increase vulnerability<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Increase the level of knowledge and understanding related to risk and signs for children and young people on the Autistic Spectrum at risk of radicalisation, sexual exploitation and predatory behaviour<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Develop awareness of skills to support children and young people on the Autistic Spectrum at risk of radicalisation, sexual exploitation and predatory behaviour<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
        \n\n\n\n

        Watch Dan Bull’s Autism rap video on YouTube<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
        \n