Affirming Behavior in Autism: Interactive Case Studies

Traditional “behavior support” for Autistic children has often focused on compliance as well as addressing behavior during moments of dysregulation, rather than considering a child’s needs from a holistic or affirming standpoint. This interactive case study course re-frames how we support moments of dysregulation through a neuroaffirming lens.

Participants will submit real clinical cases, which will be reviewed and walked through with guided instruction. Using information about child strengths, interests, family and school concerns, and therapist questions, the course models how to think through behaviors and how a dysregulated child can be supported through tough moments.
Through structured case examples and clinical explanation, participants will learn how to re-frame how they view behavior, compliance-based supports, as well as how to repair connection that has been impacted by child behaviors. This course focuses on practical clinical reasoning and flexible, ethical decision-making that can be applied across settings.

Following this course, participants will be able to:

1. Identify behavior intervention practices that may (unintentionally) cause harm, force compliance, or promote masking in Autistic children.
2. Analyze case study information (including child strengths, interests, and contextual factors) to determine affirming priorities for positive behavior support.
3. Apply neuroaffirming clinical reasoning to make informed, individualized decisions about behavior supports for Autistic children.

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.