The Oklahoma Autism Network collaborates with state agencies, higher education, parent led-organizations, and other programs to build the capacity of the professional workforce to understand the needs and evidence-based interventions for individuals with ASD and their families. Some trainings may require a fee. If you are interested in requesting a training, please complete a training request form.
Community Church Trainings
Training for church staff related to supporting children with autism.
Parent-led Organizations
The Oklahoma Autism Network has partnered with many parent-led organizations across the state to provide training on a variety of topics.
Community Programs
The Oklahoma Autism Network can provide autism training for Community Programs.
On a Road to Somewhere? Anywhere? And How on Earth Do We Get There?
Creating a Road of Possibilities During the Middle Childhood Years
Recorded webinars now available to view below.
Middle childhood (ages 6 – 12) can sometimes get lost in the shuffle between early childhood and adolescence. Many families raising a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) begin their journey during the toddler and early childhood years. These years can be filled with specialist appointments, diagnostic evaluations, early intervention and early childhood education. When the child and family emerge from early childhood, they know adolescence and the transition to adulthood is coming but there can be uncertainty about what to do during those middle years between early childhood and adolescence.
In this three-part webinar series, parents and professionals will be introduced to a variety of topics and skill areas that can become part of the middle childhood years so families and individuals with ASD can continue to thrive. Each webinar is 60 minutes long.
Part 1 --- Adaptive Skills for Everyday Life
Watch Adaptive Skills for Everyday Life Webinar
Download Adaptive Skills for Everyday Life Webinar Worksheet
Session description:
Adaptive Skills for Everyday Life
Adaptive skills, the skills we need to meet the demands of our day, are an essential part of the journey to adulthood and greater independence. The earlier these skills can be introduced, the more time can be given to practicing and mastering these important skills. In this session, participants will be introduced to a selection of adaptive skills that can be targeted during the middle childhood years (6 – 12 years of age). Personal self-care, chores and household tasks, and puberty-related hygiene skills will be highlighted.
Part 2 --- Healthy Living
Watch Healthy Living Webinar
Download Healthy Living Skills Webinar Worksheet
Session description:
Healthy Living
One aspect of living an enviable life includes living a life filled with wellness and good health. Healthy eating, restorative sleep, balanced electronic use, and enjoyable physical activity are all parts of creating and maintaining good physical health. In this session, we will discuss the significance of healthy lifestyle habits and consider different ways individuals, families, and providers can focus on these skills when supporting children ages 6-12.
Part 3 --- Connection, Friendships, and Joy
No CEUs are provided for this training series.
Session description:
Connections, Friendships, and Joy
Please join us for the last webinar of the Middle Childhood series as we dive into the significance of joy and friendship in the lives of our loved ones with ASD. Specifically, we will explore the role that executive function plays as the behavioral building blocks of friendship. We will also highlight skills to consider when building capacity and confidence in regard to friendships during the middle childhood years.
Finding a Place in the World: Supporting Children and Youth for the Transition to Adulthood
June 2020
More children with autism are growing up and often struggle to succeed in the adult world. Research has identified key factors that contribute to greater success in adult life. The presenters will discuss and provide strategies for teaching key social and adaptive skills and strategies for increasing collaboration between parents and professionals to facilitate a successful transition to adult life. Participants will also learn about secondary-transition resources available in Oklahoma.
Watch Finding a Place in the World Webinar
Download the Finding a Place in the World Webinar Worksheet
Partnering with Parents Two-Part Webinar Series
This free webinar series is intended for professionals, educators, and families. Participants are encouraged to participate in both webinars, however, each training can also stand alone.
We knew it before, but one thing highlighted by our current circumstances due to COVID-19 is the critical role parents play in the life of their child. Since March, many children with ASD have been primarily, if not solely, at home with their parents. Research tells us parents have a greater influence over the life of their child than anyone else. This is but one reason it is critical that professionals and parents work closely together to support a child with ASD to achieve his/her best life.
In this two-part webinar, we will discuss the reasons why partnering with parents is so critical for children with ASD. Participants will learn about the principles of family-centered care and key components of effectively working with parents. Participants will also learn basic strategies for working together to develop goals, and the use of basic coaching strategies to more effectively support parents in using strategies with their child in the home and in natural settings.
Part One: Why Partnering with Parents is so Important
Watch Part one Why Partnering with Parents is so Important
Watch Building Adult Capabilities to Improve Child Outcomes: Theory of Change from the Frontiers of Innovation
Download the Partnering with Parents Part One Webinar Worksheet
Part Two: Strategies to More Effectively Partner with Parents
Watch Part Two Strategies to More Effectively Partner with Parents
Download the Partnering with Parents Part Two Webinar Worksheet
There are no CEUs offered for this webinar series.
What Works Webinar Series
This free webinar series took place over the course of four weeks during Autism Awareness Month in April 2020. This series was intended primarily for parents and caregivers of children with ASD, however professionals participated as well.
This online series is designed so that each training can stand alone, or build on one another.
Webinar recordings and supporting documents are now available and can be accessed below each webinar description.
Let's Talk Autism
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a complex developmental disability that affects 1 in every 44 children. The characteristics or symptoms typically shown in early childhood include difficulty in social interaction (relating to other people, things, and events), communication (using and understanding language), and behavior (repetitive and challenging). In this one-hour webinar, participants will learn more about the unique characteristics of ASD, understand the criteria needed for a diagnosis from the DSM-5, and learn basic support strategies for children with ASD and their families.
Watch the Let's Talk Autism Webinar Recording*
Download the Let's Talk Autism Webinar Worksheet
*This webinar was recorded before the new prevalence rate of 1 in 44 was released.
What We Know Works: Using Proactive Parenting Strategies to Build Your Family's Skills
Parenting/caregiving can be rewarding, challenging, humbling, and full of joy – sometimes all at the same time!
In this one-hour webinar, participants will learn proactive parenting strategies and how to apply general behavioral principles in their day-to-day activities with their loved ones. Topics include the importance of creating opportunities to have frequent positive interactions with your child, the power of clearly communicating your expectations, behavior and its relationship with consequences, and the positive impact you make by attending to inappropriate behavior calmly and precisely. The content of this session is based upon the book, “The Power of Positive Parenting,” by Dr. Glenn I. Latham.
Watch Using Proactive Parenting Strategies to Build Your Family's Skills
Download the Proactive Parenting Strategies Webinar Worksheet
What We Know Works: Everyday Strategies
What if you could incorporate intervention strategies into your daily routines to maximize learning opportunities for your child with ASD?
In this one-hour webinar, participants will learn more about evidence-based interventions and strategies, be introduced to a framework for how to incorporate these strategies within their everyday routines, and learn how to incorporate an individual’s personal interests and motivation as a basis for learning.
Watch What We Know Works: Everyday Strategies
Download the Everyday Strategies Webinar Worksheet
What We Know Works: Challenging Behavior
Challenging behavior comes in many forms, and can often interfere with day-to-day life for the child and family. Participants in this one-hour webinar will learn the primary reasons children engage in challenging behavior, strategies to address the challenging behavior at home and in the community, and tools to help the child learn new skills.
Watch What We Know Works: Challenging Behavior
Download the Challenging Behavior Webinar Worksheet
Download Behavior Pathway Diagram Examples
ConnectedKids: Building a Foundation with Families Parent Mediated Intervention Series
What makes the ConnectedKids Program different?
ConnectedKids is a program for parents to learn how to use developmental and behavioral (ABA) strategies with their child with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The focus of the program is to increase the child’s social communication and engagement skills for children aged 2 years to 6 years of age. Our program is:
- Family-driven and child-led - Activities and interventions are guided by your child's interests and motivation.
- Practice occurs in the home and community - Strategies will be used at home and in the community which will give your child many more hours of learning and practice. This will help improve their social communication skills and lead to fewer problem behaviors.
- Collaborate with professionals - Your coach will collaborate with you to develop goals and to help you use the strategies with your child. Coaches are Board Certified Behavior Analysts who have experience working with children with ASD and their families.
- Learn the strategies - Teach your child play, communication, social engagement, and imitation skills in a way that can make interactions with your child more enjoyable.
- Implement within daily routines and activities - Teach your child during meaningful activities like meal time, bath time, bed time, and play time. This will help them use skills where they matter most. It will also help them use skills in new situations and keep using them over time.
What to Expect:
To participate in this program, you agree to and will have access to the following:
- 6 two-hour live webinars. The information presented during each session is based on what was learned during the prior session. Please see that the dates below work for your schedule and that at least one parent or caregiver can commit to attending all sessions: All group training webinars are scheduled from 9:00 AM-11:00 AM
- 6 one-hour virtual coaching sessions with a member of the Oklahoma Autism Network team who will assist you to individualize the use of the learned strategies with your child during play and daily routines. One coaching session will be scheduled with you between each webinar training session.
- Training materials and homework for you to practice strategies between training sessions.
Dates, Time, and Other Information:
Registration for this series is currently closed.
For More Information Contact:
Ginger Wells, MSW at 405.271.2131 ext. 47117 or ginger-wells@ouhsc.edu