There are a vast amount of interventions, methodologies, and treatments for students with ASD, with new options emerging frequently. However, many widely supported new approaches have no empirical support. As not all interventions are equal, it can be quite challenging for family members and professionals to sort through the plethora of information to determine “the best” treatment approach. Until recent years, models for transferring scientific research findings on best practices for children with autism to teachers have received limited attention in the literature (Lerman et al., 2004). As a result, educational institutions are not selecting treatment approaches based on high quality scientific research.

In 2007, the National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorder (NPD-ASD) was formed as a multi-university program, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs. According to the NPD-ASD, their mission is to provide resources, professional development, and technical assistance that will increase the number of highly qualified personnel serving children and students with ASD by identifying and promoting evidence-based practices. The NPDC-ASD has developed several websites with step-by-step instructions for implementing focused intervention evidence-based practices, as well as many other free resources. It is critical that family members and professionals are first and foremost aware of, and secondly, can consult and review, current research to understand the nature and strength of the scientific evidence surrounding various treatment options. Most importantly, family members and professionals need to have opportunities to learn how to implement these evidence-based practices to maximize the positive learning impact on the lives of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder.

Secondly, it is critical for professionals to first have an understanding of the unique learning characteristics of ASD prior to selecting appropriate intervention strategies for skill instruction and positive behavioral interventions and supports for behavior modification. Due to occupational financial constraints, many professionals are unable to participate in professional development opportunities that would provide this much needed information. However, there are now several websites that offer free professional development curriculums, and instructional modules, designed to increase understanding of ASD, as well as resources for peer awareness / understanding.

Speakers:

Susan Stokes, M.A., CCC-SLP

Learning Outcomes:

1. Apply web-based resources to identify focused interventions that meet criteria as evidence-based practices for students with ASD.
2. Participants will be able to Identify web-based resources to increase understanding of the unique learning and behavioral needs of students with ASD for professional development.
3. Participants will be able to Identify web-based resources to increase peer awareness and understanding of classmates with ASD.

CEUs

1. Download, and complete the following forms.
   • Attendance Form
   • Evaluation/Learning Form
2. Save the files names: 171114_CTG_Lastname-Firstname
3. Send both files to ceus@aacinstitute.org
4. CEU certificate will be sent after submitting the two forms

Note: If any difficulty is encountered in using this form, write to ceus@aacinstitute.org to request an alternative file format.