In-Service Workshops

This webinar will provide an overview of the symptoms of ASD across the lifespan and specific strategies for first responders to utilize when interacting with potential individuals in the community. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is often referred to as an “invisible disability” because the symptoms of ASD are not necessarily overt. This is especially the case for individuals with ASD who are verbal and intelligent and, thus, might appear to first responders as typically developing. Yet, these individuals often possess significant if not debilitating sensory processing impairments, restricted and repetitive behaviors, and emotional dysregulation that can result in severe behavioral decompensation in the face of unpredictable events, including aggression, self-injury, and/or property destruction.

Research demonstrates that strong relationships between schools and families can positively affect student achievement and outcomes. By fostering stronger family and community engagement schools can increase student achievement, improve student attendance and behavior, enhance staff's understanding of family. This workshop is 90 minutes.

Transitioning out of high school to either continued education or the workplace is extremely challenging for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Even though most individuals with ASD have intact cognition and language, most fail to achieve levels of independence in adulthood due to limited functional social, communication, and adaptive skills necessary for self-sufficiency. There is a critical need to prepare for this transition early, intensively, and comprehensively. This workshop will provide an overview of strategies, supports, and accommodations that can be implemented in schools to promote a successful transition.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) continues to broaden, with many autistic individuals having no cognitive and/or language impairments that confound their social disability. Therefore, many of these individuals receive educational programming within mainstream or inclusive settings. Yet despite their cognitive and language prowess, many students with ASD struggle with social communication and interaction. They often experience co-occurring challenges, including impairments in executive functioning and adaptive behavior skills, as well as social-emotional struggles that merit direct intervention in the schools. This webinar will provide an overview of the more subtle but complex presentations ASD, including females, and will present evidence-based strategies for fostering all areas of vulnerability within the school system. Concepts of masking and camouflaging behaviors, as well the misnomer of the widely misinterpreted description “high functioning autism” will be discussed.

Racism is something that ALL minorities have had to face in their lives. NOT talking about racism is no longer an option. This forum will give educators an opportunity to listen, learn, and expand their cultural competence. We will also discuss many other topics, including how to be an ally, what every person can do to make progress in this area, what to do if you encounter resistance, and a lot more.

Giving and receiving respect allows us to communicate effectively, own our own successes and failures and better respond to those of others. This workshop will empower students and give them lifelong tools they can use in interactions with their family, peers, and others.

This workshop will address the social-emotional needs in the classroom, as well as a deeper look at what ACEs or Adverse Childhood Experiences are and how that stress can become toxic and its impact on learning. We will also explore some classroom techniques that can be used daily to help children with stress and trauma.

Traditional school discipline does not always help students take responsibility and be accountable for their behaviors or to realize how those behaviors reverberate through the school community. Restorative Justice helps to change behavior by allowing the victim to be heard and acknowledging that a harm has been done. This workshop will give participants the tools necessary to expand disciplinary alternatives. This presentation is only available to school staff and administrators.

Helping schools discuss, heal, and move forward after a harmful incident on campus.

Healthy relationships are ones where people can safely feel and express for themselves and others. This comes from mutual trust, honesty, good communication, being understanding and calm during arguments, and consent. This workshop will offer strategies for opening conversation and engaging teens and their friends in thinking critically about healthy and unhealthy relationships.