Rapport-Based Communication to Support Wellbeing in Autism, Learning Disability and Dementia Care

This two hour Zoom course will introduce the approach of Rapport Based Communication - the essential communication skills needed to support the wellbeing of people in autism, learning disability and dementia care or education services. Through enjoyable social learning activities, video reflection, presentation and breakout room discussion, participants with learn a practical approach that will make an immediate difference to their work support people at risk of social isolation due to additional or complex needs.

Rapport-Based Communication is a cross context approach developed by Matthew Laurie after many years of supporting people with a wide range of additional and complex needs. The approach is straightforward and practical and is suitable for support workers, teachers, teaching assistants, clinical staff, managers and family members with any level of education or experience.

Rapport-Based Communciation is supported by a clear evidence base and has been recognised through publication in 2022 in both PMLD Link and The Practical Handbook of Living with Dementia.

On completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Find new ways to build rapport and relationships with the people they support
• Demonstrate understanding of the principles of Rapport-Based Communication
• Explain how to do Rapport Based Communication to other practitioners
• Demonstrate understanding of the principles of wellbeing
• Demonstrate understanding of how Rapport-Based Communication supports wellbeing.

Matthew Laurie has worked in care and education settings for people with additional and complex needs for over twenty years. He works in special schools on a weekly basis embedding person centred approaches to communication and music and teaches regular training days both online and in person. Matthew is a consultant trainer for leading special needs consultants Concept Training and specialises in working long term with care settings to develop communities of practice around person centred care.