HAMK participates in an international project supporting ageing individuals on the autism spectrum
The special needs of individuals on the autism spectrum persist throughout life, and as they age, these needs can become even more pronounced.
We aim to enhance professionals’ expertise in supporting ageing individuals on the autism spectrum. Our primary goal is to define the professional profile and competence requirements necessary for implementing effective and evidence-based interventions for ageing individuals with autism. In addition, we are developing and piloting a training programme that equips professionals with the essential skills and knowledge to provide high-quality services.
International collaboration brings diverse expertise
In addition to HAMK, the project partners include Federação Portuguesa de Autismo (FPDA) from Portugal and Fundación Miradas from Spain. Collaborating with organisations from different countries brings a diverse range of expertise and perspectives, improving the quality and impact of interventions and training programmes. This cooperation also facilitates the sharing of best practices and the development of new innovative approaches.
Our main contribution to the project is strong expertise in special education and vocational teacher training. Our experts, including special education teacher and lecturer Simo Uusinoka, play a key role in developing and piloting the training programmes. We are also responsible for coordinating the development and pilot implementation of training materials in Finland.
Phases and objectives
The project progresses through several phases, including:
- Mapping and reporting best practices
- Defining competence requirements for professionals
- Designing, testing, and validating training materials
- Pilot training sessions in Finland, Portugal, and Spain
We will share the project outcomes widely through various channels, including social media, conferences, and local events. The goal is for the training programmes and methodologies we develop to be broadly adopted by different organisations, ultimately improving the quality of life for ageing individuals on the autism spectrum.
Overview
- Name: Active Ageing: Specialised training for professionals supporting people with autism in their ageing process (Ageing Autism)
- Funding: Erasmus+ Programme
- Duration: 1.10.2024 – 30.09.2026
- Budget: 60 000 €
- Participants: Federação Portuguesa de Autismo (FPDA), Fundación Miradas, Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK)
For more information
