Autism Across the Spectrum

Joani M. Richardson, OTR/L

Online Course

Includes all course content in digital format

Prerequisites Required
6 hours - Provided by Summit Professional Education

Item: physi-ONDEMANDCAUTJR4

Description

In 2012 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that 1 in 88 children were diagnosed with Autism. In March of 2014 that estimate increased to 1 in 68 U.S. children, a 30% increase in two years. As this population grows into adulthood they need to be prepared to live and function independently in the community and to be gainfully employed. If you have met one child with Autism, you have met one child with Autism. Though the core deficits are the same, the kids are all very different. It is imperative that therapists, clinicians, teachers, parents and administrators understand this population and have the tools and strategies necessary to be proactive and make a difference in the development of each individual child.

This fast-paced, practical and evidence-based workshop will help participants gain a full understanding of the world of Autism. Participants will leave with a framework to guide their problem-solving and decision-making along with intervention strategies for day-to-day success. Extensive use of examples, pictures and anecdotes will prepare you to use the strategies immediately and effectively. From low to high functioning, this seminar will help participants put the pieces together to discourage negative behaviors and to foster growth and skill development in children of all ages with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Highlights

  • Solutions to help children reach the next skill level socially, academically and behaviorally
  • Effectively foster independence in children with any level of Autism
  • Evidence-based practical methods, intervention techniques and ideas to manage real life situations across the spectrum
  • Ready-to-use handouts and checklists to make your work easier and more efficient
  • Cutting edge strategies to help you break through if you are overwhelmed or stuck
  • Group interactive activities, case studies and videos to help you succeed in home, school and therapy settings

Learning Objectives

  1. Examine the core deficits and associated features of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
  2. Apply the impact of sensory differences on daily function.
  3. Analyze the basic rules for altering the environment and increasing or decreasing a child's level of alertness.
  4. Examine strategies to reduce negative behaviors associated with Autism and various intellectual disabilities.
  5. Utilize an intervention hierarchy as a tool to guide skill development, intervention and problem solving in AutismSpectrum Disorder and other disabilities.
  6. Distinguish practical methods, treatment techniques and procedures to facilitate academic, social and behavioral growth.
  7. Demonstrate how the intervention hierarchy can be used with children and adolescents with Autism and other developmental challenges in a typical school or home setting.

Course Content

Autism Across the Spectrum
SCORM Package
Next Steps
Module
  1. Enter the World of Autism - A Unique Perspective
    1. Core deficits
    2. Social communication
    3. Restricted interests, stereotypical behaviors
    4. Sensory differences
    5. Associated features
    6. Cognitive function differences
    7. Motor differences
    8. Emotional/behavioral differences
  2. Resolving Sensory Issues
    1. Rules for altering the environment
    2. How to increase or decrease alertness levels
  3. Motivation Strategies for Children with Autism
    1. The importance of motivators and reinforcers
    2. How to motivate this sometimes challenging and unique group
  4. Decreasing Anxiety
    1. Creating predictability and understanding the vital role of routines
    2. Providing a sense of control through choices
    3. Using effective visuals - numerous methods and tactics
    4. Directly teaching skills (includes introduction to Social Stories™)
    5. Generalizing skills
    6. Fostering independence
  5. Putting the Pieces Together for Success in School, Home and Clinical Scenarios
    1. Presentation of typical child with Autism: Description,visuals and example of use of the hierarchy to develop a skill
    2. Demonstration emphasizing the practical, time efficientmodel to quickly make a plan for addressing the specific needs of any child
  6. Participant Opportunity to Determine Methods for Use with Specific Behavioral and Social Problems
    1. Identify a skill deficit
    2. Outline the steps to provide intervention and facilitate skill development
    3. Questions and discussion
Joani M. Richardson, OTR/L is an Occupational Therapist who has over 30 years of experience. She spent the first 10 years of her career as a private contractor and traveling therapist in various settings across the country, developing a diverse approach to intervention. The past 20+ years her work has focused on children and adolescents with autism and other sensory and behavioral related diagnoses. In 2007 she developed the Intervention Hierarchy which is a widely used tool that guides problem solving and intervention for clientele with autism and other disabilities. She is also the developer of the PIECES problem solving model, used to guide decision making when managing troublesome behaviors. She has extensive training in the DIR Floortime approach, the Alert Program, and CHAMPS classroom management approach. In addition to managing her private practice which specializes in providing intervention for children with sensory and behavioral issues, Joani does presentations nationally. She has presented numerous seminars and training courses related to sensory issues, behavioral management, handwriting, and intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder to clinicians, therapists, teachers, school support staff, administrators, child care center staff, and parents and has been a featured speaker at statewide professional conventions. Joani graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Kansas. She is a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association and the North Carolina Occupational Therapy Association.

DISCLOSURES

FINANCIAL: Joani Richardson is compensated as the owner of her private practice (Joani Richardson) and by Summit as an instructor.

NONFINANCIAL: Joani Richardson is the developer of the Intervention Hierarchy which is widely used in treating persons with autism.

Summit receives financial support for this course from Physitrack

Click here to check accreditation for this course.

Share This Course