Facilitated by Community Autism Resources Staff and offered at the location of your choice, our courses and materials are offered at no cost to families and professionals in our service region.

Introductory Series

Finding resources in the community for families of children, teens, and adults with ASD | Contact Jan Randall | Ext 16

A practical workshop to assist the participants in locating and navigating their way through the array of complex medical, educational, adult and community service services encountered while trying to achieve the necessary supports for individuals with ASD.  The workshop includes an overview of the various resources and assistance available through Community Autism Resources.  Information on how to access these services will be presented.

Understanding  ASD | Contact Jan Randall | Ext 16

This two hour workshop will provide a basic introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder. Content will include:

  • Current statistics on ASD
  • The new Diagnostic Criteria
  • An overview of the central area's of challenge often associated with ASD including:  Communication, Sensory, Social, Executive function problems, and behavior issues
  • A few considerations for helpful supports

Videos will be shown to illustrate points. Time will be allotted for questions.

UNDERSTANDING SPECIAL EDUCATION LAW AND OBTAINING SERVICES | CONTACT PATRICIA LEONARD-TOOMEY | EXT 13

This workshop will provide current and detailed information regarding special education law.  The presenter will assist parents and professionals in understanding the basic tenants of the major Special Education Laws. Participants will review the essential steps necessary in preparing for Team meetings and a review of the special education process information as outlined in out State Law will be provided.

IPAD BASICS | CONTACT KATE DANSEREAU | EXT 15

This course will introduce how to use the iPad and showcase all of the options, features and capabilities for use with children and adults with Autism. We will explore how to download apps, manage your iTunes account and access settings to make the iPad most accessible to you and your student or child.  In addition, we will discuss tools to use along with iPad and showcase some apps that will support learning, language and leisure.

Foundation Series

EARLY INTERVENTION: TRANSITION TO SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES (2 HOURS) | CONTACT PATRICIA LEONARD-TOOMEY | EXT 13

This workshop will provide an overview of the transition process which will include: the differences between Early Intervention and Pre-School services; how your child will receive services, and planning strategies for parents.

 

Intermediate Series

UNDERSTANDING THE I.E.P (2 HOURS) | CONTACT PATRICIA LEONARD-TOOMEY | EXT 13

This program will detail information concerning the new Individualized Education Program (I.E.P). The presenter will review aspects of the new document- highlighting all recent changes.

WORKING TOGETHER: PARENT AND PROFESSIONAL COLLABORATION | CONTACT BARBARA DOMINGUE| EXT 14

This session will feature the importance of and necessity for developing good parent/professional relationship while negotiating through the special education maze.  Practical strategies for accomplishing this will be provided.  This program is designed to assist participants in facilitating positive interactions between parents and professionals.

UNDERSTANDING AND USING VISUAL SYSTEMS WITH INDIVIDUALS WITH ASD (2.5 HOURS) | CONTACT SHANNON SOUSA | EXT 28

The focus of this course is to provide an explanation of what is meant by the term “visuals”, the processing difficulties of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and how visuals can be helpful to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The various types of visuals which can be created, and the media available to create them are discussed. Many examples of visual systems developed for various purposes will be shown and discussed.

 

LEARNING ABOUT COMMUNICATION AND SOCIAL STRENGTHS AND CHALLENGES IN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS (2 HOURS) | CONTACT KATE DANSEREAU | EXT 15

This seminar will detail those challenges and strengths associated with communication and social issues affecting the lives of persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders (A.S.D.)  A variety of practical strategies will be discussed for supporting individuals in home, school and community settings.

LEARNING ABOUT SENSORY AND BEHAVIORAL STRENGTHS AND CHALLENGES IN INDIVIDUALS WITH ASD (2 HOURS) | CONTACT JAN RANDALL | EXT 16

This seminar will detail those challenges and strengths associated with behavioral and sensory issues affecting the lives of persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders (A.S.D.)
Presenters will discuss the consideration of neurological, communication, sensory and social issues which influence behavior in individuals with A.S.D. In addition, key information regarding sensory processing will be highlighted.
A variety of practical strategies will be discussed for supporting individuals in home, school and community settings.
(We strongly suggest you take the Communication/Social course before taking this course.

About Our Courses

  • Courses are facilitated by Community Autism Resources Staff.
  • Courses are offered at the location of your choice.
  • Courses and materials are offered at no cost to families and professionals in our service region.
  • For each course, a Certificate of Attendance, noting the number of hours of training offered, will be available to each participant.
  • Course offerings provide valuable and practical information for both families and professionals working with individuals with ASD.

Requirements for Accessing Courses

YOU MUST CONTACT THE STAFF MEMBER PRESENTING THE COURSE FOR SCHEDULING.
  • Courses must be scheduled at least one month in advance
  • You must have a minimum of 10 participants
  • Course bookings are subject to staff availability and demand
  • A nominal fee will be charged to those outside of our service region