The course is designed for 10 -15 adults (parents and/or family members) and two instructors. The course meets for a two-hour evening session once a week for eight weeks, a total of 16 hours.

Topics Include:

• Introductions/Autism Spectrum Disorders overview
• Visual Structures for Learning and Behavior Regulation
• Communication
• Sensory Issues, Sensory Diet
• Independent Work Systems
• Social Stories
• Behavior Supports
• Panel Discussion and Q and A featuring parents of older ASD children

Program Goals:

• Parents and families will develop an understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorders and their effect on the communication, sensory, behavior, and learning styles of their child.
• Parents and families will develop an understanding of positive techniques, methods, and strategies they can use at home to support their child.
• Parents and families will have weekly opportunities to make materials, tools, and systems to use at home that will support their child's leaning, communication, and behavior.
  
• Parents and families will gain skills needed to establish communication-based collaborative partnerships with the local education and therapeutic communities to insure consistent treatment and carryover of techniques, methods, and strategies across home, school, and therapy environments.