This 3-hour course is designed for professionals who want to deepen their understanding of Autism and provide meaningful, neurodiversity-affirming support to Autistic children. The course begins by introducing the concept of neurodiversity and what it means to implement affirming practices, shifting away from outdated, deficit-based models toward approaches that celebrate strengths, individuality, and authenticity.

Participants will learn to recognize Autism characteristics, including under-identified and non-stereotypical presentations, such as in girls and those who mask their traits. Practical examples will highlight subtle signs and traits that often go unrecognized or misdiagnosed.

Building on this foundation, the course explores strength-based report writing, guiding professionals to reframe language in ways that highlight strengths and potential. Participants will then gain strategies for communicating with families, including compassionately bringing up Autism and providing positive referrals for evaluations.

Finally, the course introduces neurodiversity-affirming support, including rethinking traditional social skills interventions, and focusing on goals that center strengths, self-advocacy, and authentic connection, while addressing the complexities of masking and unmasking in a supportive way.

By the end, professionals will feel confident in identifying Autism, supporting families, and empowering Autistic children through affirming and meaningful practices.

Following this training, participants will be able to: 

1. List key characteristics of Autism, including non-stereotypical traits commonly seen in girls.
2. Reframe language used in report writing and when making referrals from deficits based to strengths based or factual statements.
3.  Outline neurodiversity-affirming support strategies and goals that prioritize self-advocacy, emotional regulation, and authentic connection

This course meets the requirement for Professional Development hours towards your ASHA renewal since it is approved by TSHA! You can count these hours towards ASHA renewal when you submit your Compliance Form.