The Thompson Center offers five FREE online autism training modules to individuals wanting to learn more about autism. The modules were developed by the Mid-Missouri Rapid Response Initiative, a project funded by the Missouri Department of Mental Health, Division of Developmental Disabilities. The five full-length modules provide information on topics such as autism in young children, the screening and referral process, evidence-based practices and interventions, transition to adulthood, and building the family/professional partnership.

FREE TRAINING MODULES 

 

Understanding Autism in Young Children	Screening and Referral	Evidence-Based Practice and Interventions	Transition to Adulthood	Family-Professional Partnerships

 

 

What is the Understanding Autism in Young Children training module?

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.

Access the “Understanding Autism in Young Children” module here.

What is the Screening and Referral training module?

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.

Access the “Screening and Referral” module here.

What is the Evidence-Based Practice and Interventions training module?

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.

Access the “Evidence-Based Practice and Interventions” module here.

What is the Transition to Adulthood training module?

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.

Access the “Transition to Adulthood” module here.

What is the Family-Professional Partnerships training module?

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.

Access the “Family-Professional Partnerships” module here.

If you need assistance or have additional questions about the online modules, please contact us at beningoj@health.missouri.edu