Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder
A Different Way of Thinking, Learning and Managing Emotions with Dr Tony Attwood
Neurodivergent students
✅ 5 Hours, 5 Lessons
✅ Online On-demand Course
✅ Transcript to refer back to forever
✅ Certificate of Completion
✅ Handout includes Additional Helpful Tips
✅ Email questions directly to Sue Larkey
✅ 100% Money back – if, after the first two lessons, you decide the course is not for you
✅ IT support
REVIEWS ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Understanding Neurodiverse Children
This course provides a deep understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in educational settings. It covers diagnosis, cognitive and learning differences, sensory sensitivities, behaviour management, and strategies to support social skills and emotional well-being, equipping educators and families/carers with practical tools to effectively support neurodiverse students.
In Tony's training you will learn:
Understanding ASD
Learn the basics of autism, the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, and how it differs in girls and women. Explore unique cognitive abilities and learning styles.
Cognitive Abilities and Learning
Discover how individuals with ASD process information, including visual learning and slower processing time, and how to create ASD-friendly classrooms.
Sensory Sensitivity and Anxiety
Understand sensory sensitivities and anxiety triggers, with strategies like CBT and Affective Education to manage stress and emotions.
Lesson Outline
- Lesson 1: n this lesson, we will explore what Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is, including its diagnostic criteria based on the DSM-5. We will dive into the seven key components used for diagnosing ASD and examine how the condition can present differently in girls and women, challenging common perceptions.
- Lesson 2: This lesson covers the unique cognitive abilities of individuals with ASD, highlighting how they think and learn differently. We’ll focus on visual learning, processing time, and how challenges with reading and mathematics can affect learning. Additionally, we will look at traits like a one-track mind, fear of making mistakes, and frustrations in problem-solving.
- Lesson 3: Learn about the concept of weak central coherence and how it impacts social understanding, behavior, and ability. This lesson will cover how to create an ASD-friendly classroom, address sensory sensitivities such as auditory and tactile defensiveness, and understand how challenging behavior can be a form of communication.
- Lesson 4: Explore how anxiety manifests in individuals with ASD, the role of the amygdala in emotional responses, and strategies for managing anxiety. This lesson introduces Affective Education and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) to provide practical tools for managing emotions and behavior. We’ll also look at the Emotional Toolbox and discuss the role of medication and affection in emotional regulation.
- Lesson 5: In this lesson, we focus on the stages of friendship development and strategies like social stories and a social curriculum to help individuals with ASD navigate social interactions. We will also examine the role of special interests, their origins, and how they can be used constructively to enhance social engagement and learning.
Master an Understanding of Autism with Tony Attwood
Social Skills and Friendships
Explore strategies to help individuals with ASD develop social skills and friendships, with a focus on girls and the role of special interests.
Problem-Solving and Behaviour
Address challenges in problem-solving and math, and learn how to manage challenging behavior as communication using CBT and behavior strategies.
Emotional Regulation and Special Interests
Learn how to use the Emotional Toolbox for managing emotions and how special interests can enhance learning and social interactions.
BONUS Resources


What Our Participants Say
“I have gained great insight on different ways we all communicate and interact and learn and how a diverse world is a richer world. I also have gained many insights in how I would like to do things differently to better connect with different children in my class. I participated in this course to help me learn to deal better with my ASD child, but I found this course taught me things that will help me deal with all of my children better. And it reinforced my thinking that we’re all a little quirky and unconventional in our own unique way. Yes, diversity does make a richer, more interesting world! Thank you.“
“I just finished the online course. I got a lot out of it, I wish more people would do the course! I appreciate your time and enthusiasm!”
“This course helped me as a mum and carer for 2 ASD kids and it revealed a lot of things to me and armed me with amazing knowledge.“
“Tony, your course has been so helpful to me and my clients and their families. I work as a Counsellor and often have children referred that are on the spectrum. Your ideas have helped me to appreciate these children and advocate for them in their schools and within their families. Thank you.“
“I feel much more confident in being the teacher for this little person.
This course was fabulous and I would highly recommend it to other educators of children with ASD. Thanks so much e for providing such a valuable resource.”
“I recently did your online course. It was the ‘meatiest’ online learning I had ever done!! Seriously, there was so much packed in there I was constantly taking notes (which is not very me at all), and rewinding and re-watching, so THANKYOU!“
“Firstly I just want to thank you for such an enjoyable, & educational online course about understanding autism. I thoroughly enjoyed each module and cold have easily listened to you talk for another 5 hours! After finishing the modules I cannot wait to get back into the classroom and put some of your tips and idea into practice. I personally enjoyed watching the videos of children on the ASD and then listening to you speak of those specific cases. For me those real examples made things very clear and understandable.”
“Thank you for making your online course so available, enjoyable and full of practicalities based on your experience and research. I completed the 5 modules ‘back to back’. In other words, I was mesmerized!”
“It has helped me understand my daughter more and has given me lots of helpful advice on strategies to use at school with my students.“
Is this course for me?

✅ Educators
✅ Primary, High and Early Learning Teachers
✅ Support Staff (ESOs, TAs, LS, LSA, SSOs etc)
✅ Speech, OT, Psychologists, Support Workers
✅ Families/Carers
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder:
A Different Way of Thinking, Learning and Managing Emotions with Dr Tony Attwood
✅ 5 Hours, 5 Lessons
✅ Online On-demand Course
✅ Transcript to refer back to forever
✅ Certificate of Completion
✅ Handout includes Additional Helpful Tips
✅ Email questions directly to Sue Larkey
✅ 100% Money back – if, after the first two lessons, you decide the course is not for you
✅ IT support

Enrol in this Course with Confidence
100% Money Back Guarantee & Zero Risk Promise
If you start this course and find that it is not for you, we will refund 100%, no reason required. Just email support@suelarkey.com.au

Tony Attwood's Online Course
Includes full access to all course materials and a certificate of completion.
To have an invoice sent to your organisation for payment please email support@suelarkey.com.au.
Course Price: $235 per person
Group Bookings
For groups of 6 or more please email support@suelarkey.com.au to receive the discounted price. Payment can be made online using a code you will receive of via an invoice we can provide.
Course Price for a group of 6 or more: $195 per person
Meet Tony Attwood

Professor Tony Attwood is one of the world’s foremost specialists on Autism. Currently serving as an adjunct Professor at Griffith University in Queensland, Professor Attwood’s impact has enriched the global understanding of autism.
Renowned for his extensive contributions to understanding Asperger’s Syndrome, now commonly referred to as autism, Professor Attwood has authored numerous publications on the subject. His seminal book, Asperger’s Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals debuted in 1998, resonated globally and has since found its voice in over 25 languages, making his insights accessible across cultures and continents.
Meet Sue Larkey

Sue Larkey is a highly respected educator, author, and speaker with extensive experience in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). She has taught students in both mainstream and special education settings, combining practical experience with extensive research. Sue holds a Master’s in Special Education and has completed the research sections of her Doctorate in Education.
Sue’s podcast, the “Sue Larkey Podcast,” has over 1.3 million downloads across more than 200 episodes and is the #1 ranked Apple Podcast in Australia in the Course category. Her podcast resources are used by leading universities, including Monash University and Canberra University, to train teachers. She also has a global following, with over 135,000 subscribers to her weekly e-newsletter in more than 30 countries and a community of 130,000 Facebook followers.
Sue has authored over 18 books aimed at educators, teacher assistants, and parents/carers, and is a former winner of the Naturally Autistic International Award for Community Contribution. She has delivered hundreds of speeches at both international and national conferences, earning recognition as a trusted source of knowledge, compassion, and inspiration for educators, support workers, and families.
PODCAST: Dr Tony Attwood – Understanding Autism Diagnostic Criteria and Why Girls often Overlooked
Introducing the Podcast “Dr Tony Attwood – Understanding Autism Diagnostic Criteria and Why Girls often Overlooked”. This podcast explains autism diagnostic criteria, key symptoms, and assessment methods from the DSM-5. You’ll learn about the unique challenges of diagnosing girls with ASD, who often mask their difficulties, leading to underdiagnosis. Co-occurring conditions and the importance of early evaluation are also discussed.
Best Selling Books by Tony Attwood
Asperger’s Syndrome: A guide for Parents and Professionals
This guide will assist parents and professionals with the identification, treatment and care of both children and adults with Asperger’s Syndrome. It provides a description and analysis of the unusual characteristics of the syndrome and practical strategies to reduce the most conspicuous or debilitating.
The Complete Guide To Asperger's Syndrome
he definitive handbook for anyone affected by Asperger’s Syndrome (AS), it brings together a wealth of information for children through to adults. Essential reading for families and individuals as well as teachers, professionals and employers coming in contact with people with AS. This book is a must for anyone who needs to know about this condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When do we get the certificate?
Immediately upon completion of the course.
- Can this Course Count towards my Professional Development?
Yes. Completing Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Different Way of Thinking, Learning and Managing Emotions in the priority area of Students/children with Disability addressing Standard Descriptor(s) 1.5.2, 3.3.2, 4.1.2, 4.3.2, and 6.4.2 from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers
- What age is the course appropriate for?
The course is appropriate for supporting children of all ages.
- Can the course be watched as a group?
Yes, the course can be watched together as a group, however each person participating needs to be individually registered.
- How long do I have to do the course
The initial access period is set to 6 months but we will always extend this if you need longer to complete the course.
- Can I rewatch the course?
Yes, you can rewatch the course as much as you like during the 6 months that the course is available to you.
- I am having technical issues, what do I do?
Contact our team on support@suelarkey.com.au
- When is the course on?
It is an online On-demand course, so it can be watched whenever it suits you.