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Autism

Autism is characterized by a common symptom cluster including communication, sensory and developmental difficulties. Each individual’s manifestation of the disorder is influenced by: 

• the severity of the autism
• intellectual ability
• impact of additional disabilities
• inherited traits and family culture
• past educational and community experiences.

The incidence of autism has increased dramatically over the past twenty years. This training will review the history of autism and its common characteristics. Best teaching practices will be presented for participants to maximize their students’ success in all aspects of life.  Finally, a review of current treatments will be discussed.

Who Will Benefit

School personnel including regular and special educators, paraprofessionals, speech pathologists, occupational therapists; medical field professionals including psychologists and mental health counselors; health and human services workers; parents and family members of persons with ASD, or anyone who currently or will provide direct support or service to individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder in the home, school, work and community setting.

Participants Will Understand/Gain Awareness of:

• diagnostic criteria for and characteristics of autism
• a variety of communication and social skills strategies
• the use of nutritional supplements and medications that can relieve some of ASD’s symptoms
• sensory integration difficulties and strategies to provide appropriate sensory input
• the needs of families of individuals with autism
• non-intrusive behavior strategies to support social behaviors
• alternative therapies and ways to judge the validity of these therapies

UW-La Crosse is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. UW-La Crosse maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

Copyright 2009
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
1725 State St. La Crosse, WI 54601
608.785.8000