South Alabama’s local autism network offering training to primary care providers and families
“We know that the earlier interventions can begin, the better the outcome will be for the child and family.”
The Alabama Regional Autism Networks is offering two in-person training sessions in Mobile, one geared toward parents and caregivers of children with autism, and the other for primary care providers. Both sessions will take place at the University of South Alabama Faculty Club.
Primary care providers will learn the tools needed to make a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder for children in their care during the first session on Monday, Aug. 5, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Michelle McDaniel, director of the USARAN, said the training is crucial since most children are unable to access important therapies and services without a documented diagnosis, yet the waitlists for autism diagnostic clinics are often long, resulting in the loss of valuable time.
“The CDC estimates that about 1 in every 36 children are identified as having autism, but we know that the earlier interventions can begin, the better the outcome will be for the child and family,” she said. “Many primary care physicians may not feel comfortable making a diagnosis of autism. This training will provide the information, tools, and strategies needed to confidently make a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder when symptoms are obvious in a child.”
Parents and caregivers will gain the tools and strategies needed to navigate the special education system and effectively advocate for their children or family members. A review of current diagnostic criteria and its hands-on application, billing considerations, and the use of decision aids and other practice tools intended to streamline the process will be covered.
The session for caregivers will be Monday, Aug. 5, from 1 to 4 p.m. and will offer insight into how parents can start the process for a special education evaluation if their school system has not done so. Discussions will include referrals before entering kindergarten, as well as address needs in later grades.
Presenters will discuss the amount of time each part of the process may take, best practices for parents to ensure the evaluations happen and are thorough, eligibility requirements, available services, and more. A portion of the session will be working through real-life scenarios to determine how to navigate the processes and roadblocks that can occur.
McDaniel said the training is being offered as a response to requests from parents and caregivers who often contact the network with questions and concerns about their child’s special education services.
“Parents and caregivers can quickly become overwhelmed when trying to navigate the next steps for their child after receiving a diagnosis of autism and as their journey continues throughout school and beyond,” she said. “We know that the earlier interventions can begin, the better the outcome will be for the child and family.”
For providers, the registration fee for the conference is $50 per person, and it includes CEUs, a light continental breakfast and beverages. To register, visit https://training.ua.edu/ranworkshops/
For parents and caregivers, the registration fee for the conference is $10 per person, and it includes light refreshments. Scholarships are available by emailing professionaldevelopment@ua.edu. To register online, visit https://training.ua.edu/ranworkshops/
To learn more, contact USARAN at 251-410-4533.