Program Information [ pdf here ]
Program Handouts [ pdf here ]
Video Sample
Click the play button to view a sample video from the program
Program Description
With prevalence now estimated at 1:100, Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) have become a widespread concern. This program synthesizes current research and practice on the etiology, diagnosis, assessment, treatment, and evaluation of ASDs. Participants will learn to distinguish diagnostic issues for various ASDs and the relationship between core neurocognitive assets and deficits to learning, social, communication, and behavioral issues that may be present from early childhood through young adulthood. This program provides a guide to evidence-based care based on current research. Objectives Participants will be able to describe Diagnostic features of Autism Spectrum Disorders
Critical social and communication challenges faced by children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Describe evidence-based interventions for treating social and communication deficits in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Reasons challenging behaviors develop
Specific causes of challenging behavior
Evidence-based interventions to address challenging behavior
Positive support procedures that will decrease the likelihood of behavioral regression
Procedural and ethical safeguards necessary for effective intervention Topics Covered Autism & Asperger Syndrome Basics • Core deficits
• Theories of causation
• Genetics
• Neuropsychological assets and deficits Diagnosis and Differential Diagnosis Assessment & Treatment of Social Skills • Social skills training
• Group and individual treatment Assessment & Treatment of Communication Challenges • Skills for home and community participation
• Social communication and conversation skills Understanding Challenging Behaviors • Goals of assessment and treatment
• Situations that ìset the stageî for behavior Assessment of Challenging Behaviors • Assessment of behavioral function
• Identifying replacement behaviors Treatment of Challenging Behavior Strategies for Home, Classroom, and Community • Integrating treatment planning with social and communication objectives
• Functional communication training
• Developing positive behavioral supports Insuring Treatment Effectiveness • Evaluation of treatment effectiveness
• Ethical issues in treatment
• Wrap-up and closing comments | 
