Activity Description

This course discusses the assessment, uniqueness, teaching techniques, integration and professional roles, and methodologies of autism.  Also included are guidelines about placement; team decisions; parental involvement; dietary concerns; teacher attitudes toward autism; and ideas to stimulate learning.

Activity Audience

This course is for Speech-Language Pathologists.

Learning Outcomes

Participants who successfully complete this course will be able to:

• Define and explain differential criteria within autistic spectrum disorders using both medical and educational criteria.
• State a variety of management strategies to address sensory, communication, behavior, social, and classroom issues.
• Explain the roles various professionals play in team decisions and effective team intervention.
• Identify the strengths and limitations of the current treatment methodologies to make informed intervention decisions.

Host Requirements

1. Have a minimum of five participants.
2. Schedule your DVDs for Groups with LinguiSystems a minimum of 30 days prior to your in-service.  LinguiSystems is unable to accept late registrations.

Materials Provided

1. FREE Autism from A to M DVD
2. Downloadable course handout
3. ASHA paperwork for those who wish to receive FREE ASHA CEUs
   • Attendance Roster
   • Course Evaluation form
   • Self-Assessment of Learning
   • ASHA CEU Participant Form
4. Completion certificate for all participants

Author Biography

Gail J. Richard, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, is professor and chair in the department of communication disorders & sciences at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois.  She teaches undergraduate and graduate courses and serves as a clinical supervisor for diagnostic practicum experiences.  Gail enjoys the challenges presented in childhood developmental language disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder, language processing, language-learning disabilities, and selective mutism.  Prior to her 30 years at Eastern, Gail’s professional experience included working as a public school speech clinician and at a diagnostic/therapeutic preschool.  She consults extensively with other professionals and parents, and she shares her practical knowledge through workshop presentations around the country.

Professional honors and awards include Fellow of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Honors of the Association and Fellow of the Illinois Speech-Language-Hearing Association, recipient of the Illinois Clinical Achievement Award, ASHA Legislative Council from 1991-2008, Outstanding Alumnus Award at Southern Illinois University Carbondale and Eastern Illinois University, five Faculty Excellence Awards at Eastern Illinois University, and the 2000 Distinguished Faculty Award and College of Science Scholar of the Year.  Additional interests include collegiate athletics, in which Gail has served as the NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative at Eastern Illinois University for 16 years, and directing shows for the community theater.

LinguiSystems, Inc. funded this presentation, Autism from A to M, in its entirety.