The Behaviour Analysis Journal Club
Free to attend.
Our online discussion group allows you to explore the latest research in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and Positive Behaviour Support, and gain continuing education units (CEUs) and continuing professional development hours (CPD). Using video conferencing, each event discusses a recent research article and is led by a professional with specialist expertise in the topic. You also explore how research findings can be put into practice.
- The events are suitable for Board Certified Behaviour Analysts (BACBs) and Board Certified Assistant Behaviour Analysts (BCaBAs). Each event provides a Learning continuing education unit (CEU) from the BACB (Behavior Analysis Certification Board)
- The events are also
suitable for professionals holding the UKBA (cert) credential by the
UK-Society for Behaviour Analysis (UK-SBA). Each event provides a
continuing professional development hour (CPD)
- Previous sessions are available on our YouTube channel
- Please contact us for information on future events
The Autism Journal Club
Sessions are recorded and uploaded to the Tizard YouTube channel
The Tizard Seminars
Sessions are recorded and uploaded to the Tizard YouTube Channel
Short courses and training
In addition to the options listed below, the Tizard Centre can offer bespoke training packages to services. Please contact us for more details or an informal discussion.

BACB continuing education
- The Tizard Centre offers continuing education units (CEUs) as an approved continuing education provider for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board
- We also provide continuing professional development hours (CPD) for professionals certified by the UK-Society for Behaviour Analysis (UK-SBA)
The SPELL framework
The SPELL framework, developed by the National Autistic Society, is a socially valid framework that supports the understanding of autism and the development of autism-friendly environments and approaches. It is an individualised and person-centred approach based on five key elements: structure, positive approaches and expectations, empathy, low arousal and links.
- Day one: understanding people on the autism spectrum
- Day two: supporting people on the autism spectrum
- Day three: training for trainers. The day assesses your ability to provide training using the materials that form the first part of the accreditation process. The focus is on providing guidance around using the training materials for understanding and supporting children and adults on the autism spectrum.
It is possible to attend days one and two without attending day three, depending on your training requirements.
We run this course on an annual basis. Please contact us to register your interest.
To book your place on our two-day short course and training for trainers on Understanding and Responding to Autism: The SPELL Framework, register here: https://kenthospitality.kent.ac.uk/Register/SPELL22
Person-centred active support
Training for trainers
Our ‘training for trainers’ course is run at the University’s Canterbury campus.
The first day is classroom-based and provides information on the key issues for delivering materials. The second day focuses on the skills and knowledge required for training and leadership. You need to attend both days of training.
To attend the course, you should have experience of working with people with intellectual disabilities in a facilitative way and work in an organisation where you can gain hands-on practice between sessions.
If you have attended the entire course and would like to gain certification, you are assessed via two video clips – one of you providing support and one of you giving feedback to a member of staff who provides support.
Registration for our one-day short course and training for trainers on Person-centred Active Support is now open: https://kenthospitality.kent.ac.uk/Register/PCAS22
In-house training
This training can also be offered as a bespoke in-house course to services that have large numbers of staff to train. For more information on bespoke courses, contact Dr Ciara Padden, Consultancy Manager.
Talking Mats
Talking Mats communication symbols tool is based on extensive research and was designed by speech and language therapists (SLTs). It uses unique, picture communication symbols which are attractive to all ages and communication abilities. Talking Mats is being used by clinical practitioners, carers and support workers in a wide range of health, social work, residential and education settings to help people to organise their thoughts and express their views.
This two-part foundation training is structured to allow you time to reflect and develop your own communication skills between the sessions. You are provided with a topic set, so that you can put the resource into practice straightaway. Attendance at both sessions is required. For more information, contact Dr Jill Bradshaw, Consultancy Manager.
Understanding Autism: online course
Understand more about autism, including diagnosis, the autistic spectrum and life with autism, with a free online course produced by Tizard Centre in partnership with FutureLearn.
First identified over 70 years ago, autism is a lifelong developmental disability affecting how a person communicates with and relates to others, and how they make sense of the world. It is a spectrum condition; all people on the spectrum share certain difficulties, but their condition affects them in different ways.
The online course explores questions such as: what is autism? It also covers topics such as social communication skills, sensory sensitivities and repetitive behaviours, co-occurring conditions, strengths and difficulties of people on the autism spectrum and lived experiences of people on the autism spectrum.
Dr Jill Bradshaw, Tizard Centre is the academic lead on this online course. With starting dates throughout the year, please book your free place online.