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
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
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.
Expanded Series: Creating a Road of Possibilities During the Middle Childhood Years
In this series, we share information about how to maximize the middle childhood years for your child or for children you serve. We encourage you to watch the recorded Creating a Road of Possibilities During the Middle Childhood Years Webinar Series as a foundation prior to viewing the below webinars.
Creating Opportunities for Friendships
Promoting Physical Activity for Health and Well Being
Personal Care Daily Life Skills
Teaching Chores and Household Tasks
Balancing Technology Use
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.
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
Part Two: Strategies to More Effectively Partner with Parents
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.
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.
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.
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.