SCERTS Parent/Carer Training Session – Tuesday 10th March 2026
On Tuesday 10th March 2026 from 6pm-8pm there will be a SCERTS for parents/carers session at the Loose site.
The session will be led by international expert Emily Rubin, who specialises in Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome and related social learning disabilities and she lectures internationally.
What is the SCERTS model?
SCERTS is an educational model for children and older individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families. The model can also be used with individuals not on the autism spectrum who are developing social communication and emotional regulation skills. SCERTS provides specific guidelines for helping an individual become a competent and confident social communicator and an active learner.
Description
This session is designed to engage parents and carers in a practical discussion of common factors that influence young people’s engagement in activities, interactions, and environments. It offers hands-on, concrete support suggestions to address those factors that are grounded in a #Useful Reality.
We will be discussing general strategies to support engagement (the non-negotiables) but also introducing a framework to help family members and other important people in a young person’s life discover which factors related to engagement might be most impactful and how to use this information to provide individualised regulatory support. Information presented will be grounded in research and will include examples of the framework and tool that in use in a range of settings.
Para Chutes and Ladders, a tool for enhancing engagement and individualising support for regulation, is consistent with SCERTS® (Social Communication, Emotional Regulation, Transactional Support), an evidence-based, developmental, and relationship based framework that has been implemented across Five Acre Wood School.
Amy Laurent, PhD, OTR/L is a developmental psychologist and a registered pediatric occupational therapist. She is a co-author of the SCERTS model, a comprehensive, evidence-based model for supporting autistic individuals across the lifespan. She frequently lectures and provides training throughout the United States and internationally on topics related to neurodiversity and helping others to understand and honor the implications of “different ways of being” in relation to navigating the physical and social world. Her research interests include emotional / energy regulation and active engagement in natural contexts. Dr. Laurent strives to practice what she preaches and uses her love of play and movement to meet her own regulatory needs.
Jacquelyn Fede, PhD is a super fun, Autistic Self-Advocate, developmental psychologist, and program evaluator. Jacquelyn’s research interests include immigration policy, autism, and community engagement. Dr. Fede uses this experience to help educate others about autism through lecturing, blogging, and consulting on evaluation projects. A full scholarship Division I athlete in college, Dr. Fede continues to meet intense sensory needs by seeking extreme physical activity. Jacquelyn also enjoys the use of creativity and art for expression.
There will be an opportunity for you to ask questions.
This event is free to all parents/carers of Five Acre Wood School pupils. It is also open to parents of children who do not attend Five Acre Wood School, at a cost of £20 per person.
If you would like to attend, please confirm your attendance by emailing lbirchley@five-acre.kent.sch.uk or by calling the school office on 01622 743925.
