PARENTS, teachers and social workers were among more than 50 people who attended the Sensory Detective Workshop at the School of Total Education on Saturday.

The workshop was facilitated by well-known expert, Nelle Frances, whose son has Asperger's.

Ms Frances said the aim of the workshop was to help attendees understand the behaviour of children with Asperger's and autism.

"We give examples, ask questions of them and debrief the workshop," Ms Frances said.

"It's all about these people - who live or work with children - understanding what these children might be thinking."

Scots PGC teacher Lou Keevers said the event was particularly useful, having a current student with autism.

"I already have a pretty good understanding of autism and Asperger's as I've been to a few workshops in the past," Mrs Keevers said.

"But the workshop really heightened awareness of what the child might be going through.

"We're always trying to learn."

One of the activities included loud noises to distract people while they were given a specific task, akin to how the senses worked for an Asperger's or autism affected child.

Mrs Keevers said the experience was not pleasant.

"I was glad when it ended," she said.

"I shut down and didn't do what I was told.

"I felt nauseous."

School of Total Education principal Shane Power said he was pleased with the turnout.

"We had six teachers of our own there plus a number of parents," Mr Power said.

"The event was well supported by the community."

Mr Power said the workshop was useful for his staff.

"For me, it's really important that teachers are able to connect through knowing how children experience the world," he said.

"Each child has different interests and experiences.

"ASD children are no different."

The numbers

• National statistics say one in every 100 children is affected by autism or Asperger's.
• Ms Frances estimates, however, the number is between three and five in each classroom.