Autism Training Modules
Discover the Thompson Center’s five FREE online training modules, designed to provide valuable insights into autism for anyone interested in learning more.
Developed by the Mid-Missouri Rapid Response Initiative and funded by the Missouri Department of Mental Health, Division of Developmental Disabilities, these full-length modules cover a range of essential topics. From understanding autism in young children to the screening and referral process, evidence-based practices and interventions, transition to adulthood, and building the family-professional partnership, these modules offer comprehensive information to empower you on your journey of learning. If you need assistance or have any questions about the online modules, don’t hesitate to reach out to Jaclyn Benigno at beningoj@health.missouri.edu.
After watching all of the videos in this online module, you are eligible to receive a Certificate of Completion. Please email Louis Nevins at nevinslp@health.missouri.edu with the name of the module you completed and your request for a certificate.
Description:
This module is an overview of the characteristics of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and the criteria used to diagnose children with ASD. Family members, childcare providers, school personnel, and others who interact with young children are encouraged to take this training module to learn more about the signs of ASD. This module was recorded in 2015.
Topics Covered:
- Autism prevalence in the United States
- Diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum and the DSM-5
- Development and course of autism spectrum disorder and co-occurring characteristics
- Early Identification of autism including referral for both screening and diagnosis
Learning Objectives:
- Describe the two domains associated with the characteristics of autism
- Identify 3 characteristics or behaviors frequently observed in children with autism spectrum disorder
- Identify the importance and benefits of early identification and support
Course Presenter:
This course is presented by Dr. Stephen M. Kanne, Ph.D., ABPP. At the time of recording, Dr. Kanne was the Executive Director of the Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders. In 2020, he became the Director for the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain at Weill Cornell Medical in New York. He co-authored Autism Spectrum Disorders: Missouri Best Practice Guidelines for Screening, Diagnosis, and Assessment.Dr. Kanne is Board certified in Clinical Neuropsychology with a specialty in Pediatric Neuropsychology. Dr. Kanne has a research focus on children with autism, targeting diagnostic tools, outcome measures, behavioral phenotyping, co-occurring symptoms, and evidence-based therapies.
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Videos:
Description:
This module focuses on screening for ASD. It also describes the next steps if referral for further evaluation is needed. Health care providers, childcare providers, school personnel, family members, and others who interact with young children are encouraged to take this training module to learn more about this process. This module was recorded in 2015.
Topics Covered:
- An overview of general child development
- Specific screening tools for ASD
- The importance of early screening and referral
- Resources for referring families of children with a concern of autism
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the rationale for early screening and referral for ASD
- Name a common instrument for ASD screening and where it can be found
- Understand how to communicate with parents when providing information and/or referrals for screening, diagnosis, interventions and community services
Course Presenter:
This course is presented by Dr. Stephen M. Kanne, Ph.D., ABPP. At the time of recording, Dr. Kanne was the Executive Director of the Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders. In 2020, he became the Director for the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain at Weill Cornell Medical in New York. He co-authored Autism Spectrum Disorders: Missouri Best Practice Guidelines for Screening, Diagnosis, and Assessment. Dr. Kanne is Board certified in Clinical Neuropsychology with a specialty in Pediatric Neuropsychology. Dr. Kanne has a research focus on children with autism, targeting diagnostic tools, outcome measures, behavioral phenotyping, co-occurring symptoms, and evidence-based therapies.
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Videos:
Description:
This module explores the importance of using evidence-based interventions when working with children and youth with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The module provides an overview of 11 interventions that have the strongest research evidence for their effectiveness. It also discusses factors to consider when choosing interventions for individual children. School personnel, care providers, and family members will learn of additional resources that can enhance their ability to select and provide high quality interventions for children and youth with ASD. This module was recorded in 2015.
Topics Covered:
- Definition and importance of evidence-based practices
- Recommended resources and tools for practitioners to find and use evidence-based practices
- How to use tools to plan for evidence-based practices
Learning Objectives:
- Describe evidence-based interventions and why they are important
- Describe important considerations for making intervention decisions
- Identify resources and methods to identify evidence-based practices
- Identify evidence-based practices related to specific targeted domains, individual characteristics, and/or intervention goals
Handouts:
Videos:
Description:
As individuals with ASD leave the high school setting, they need to be prepared for the next stage of life experiences and becoming an adult. Families often ask where, how and when do I start this process? This training module is an overview of what both families and educators can do to support the process for transition from adolescence to becoming an adult and why employment is essential. This module was recorded in 2016.
Topics Covered:
- How families, professionals, and individuals with autism can best prepare for successful employment
- Why employment is essential
- The importance of starting the transition process early and using a strengths-based approach
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize the skills and strengths of individuals with autism that make them an asset for employment
- Identify skills that are pivotal to post-secondary success
- Outline what families can do at home to support successful transitions
- Guidance for educators in supporting transition to employment
Course Presenter:
This module is presented by Jena K. Randolph, Ph.D. Dr. Randolph is an assistant research professor at the University of Missouri with an appointment at the MU Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopment. She is the Training and Education Division Director and co-developer of the Training Experts in Autism for Missouri (TEAM) program which provides training and ongoing support to professionals working with individuals with autism.
Handouts:
There are no handouts for this course.
Videos:
Description:
We know that having a successful support system and team can have a large impact on the life of an individual with autism, so this module focuses on how to effectively build and maintain family and professional partnerships. Throughout the course of this training you will hear from the perspectives of several parents who will share their experiences in building professional partnerships to address the needs of their children and family, as well as from several professionals as they share recommendations on how to effectively team with families to best serve the individuals that they are working with. This module was recorded in 2016.
Topics Covered:
- Provide information about how to effectively build and maintain professional partnerships
- The importance of having Family Professional Partnerships
- The range of partnerships that can be established
Learning Objectives:
- Outline the characteristics and qualities that are involved in effective partnerships
- Recognize barriers that may prohibit successful partnerships
- Identify how to build strong relationships or rebuild broken relationships
- Describe ways that professionals can increase strong partnerships and increase trust with families
Handouts:
There are no handouts for this course.
Videos: