By Adrienne Cornwall
When they joined the Thompson Center from the Columbia Public Schools in 2014, Jena Randolph and Karen O’Connor wasted no time in dreaming big about sharing autism best practices throughout Missouri.
“Supporting individuals with autism and their families requires expert care coordination across all facets of life,” said Randolph. “We want to make certain that training is available for educators, applied behavior analysts, medical care providers, and any additional service providers so that care can be effective and comprehensive.”
Since the center’s Training and Outreach Division led by Anna Laakman launched the Training Experts in Autism for Missouri (TEAM) project last year, Randolph and O’Connor have driven the growth of the program into school districts, medical facilities and caregiver networks across the state, from Lee’s Summit outside Kansas City all the way to St. Louis.
Training programs for medical professionals, care coordinators, families and ABA providers also launched in succession throughout 2014. Trainings are free to Missouri participants thanks to a grant from the state Department of Mental Health. Topics range from developing classroom programs and interventions to supporting patients with autism in medical offices.
Randolph, O’Connor, behavior analyst Brooke Burnett and school psychologist Kim Selders take autism best practices where they’re needed most: into communities. They’ve reached 36 counties throughout Missouri with evidence-based tools and strategies to use in provider offices, classrooms and other settings to support individuals with autism.
“It is critical to provide training that builds the capacity for agencies and organizations to better support individuals with autism,” O’Connor said. “This not only increases their professional expertise but also improves the outcomes for the individuals they serve.”
In April, TEAM also began offering free Autism Friendly Business training for businesses interested in supporting customers and employees with autism. The program provides training at participating businesses for its employees, including an overview of autism as well as tailored strategies to use in everyday business transactions, like visual aids and communication tips. Businesses who complete the program are designated as an Autism Friendly Business with a window decal and marketing materials so individuals with autism and their families can easily identify them as an inclusive and prepared environment.
Through the range of individualized trainings and follow-up support offered by TEAM, the Thompson Center is improving outcomes for individuals with autism in the doctor’s office, in the classroom, in the community, and beyond.
For more information about Training and Outreach at the Thompson Center, visit our Training Division home page.