MESA Professional Development Opportunities
2020-2021
Enhancing Communication for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
* ASHA CEU Credits available
This workshop is designed for elementary educators and speech-language pathologists working with students with autism and other developmental disabilities. Upon completion participants will have a better understanding of best practice for enhancing communication and serving students in the school setting.
Topics include:
- Identifying goals and methods for documenting progress
- Advantages of different service delivery options
- Review current evidence regarding effective intervention
- Utilizing a team approach
Register Online for January 15 Virtual Training
Reducing Challenging Behavior for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
This workshop is designed for general and special educators serving students with ASD who demonstrate challenging behavior in the school setting. Upon completion participants will be able to identify the functions of behavior, aka the “why”. Preventative strategies and supports that decrease problematic behaviors will be provided.
Topics include:
- Functions of behavior
- Strategies and supports that prevent challenging behavior
- Identifying and teaching alternative skills
Register Online for Virtual Training (begins Dec. 2, 2020)
Autism Spectrum Disorder:
Foundation Training for Teachers and other Certified Staff
This two day workshop is designed for teachers and other certified staff who serve students with autism and other developmental disabilities. Upon completion participants will have practical information regarding how ASD affects classroom performance. Effective strategies and supports will be provided.
Topics include:
- Autism: What we know
- Characteristics of autism
- Identification of autism
- The power of teaming
- Inclusive practices
- Classroom strategies for supporting students with ASD
- Enhancing students’ communication and social interactions
- Social emotional supports
- Understanding and de-escalating behavior
- Parent and self-advocate perspectives
- Motivating change
Training Completed
Autism Spectrum Disorder:
Foundation Training for Paraprofessionals and Other Support Staff
This two-day workshop is designed for paraprofessionals, teacher assistants, Head Start providers and other school support staff who serve students with autism and other developmental disabilities. Upon completion participants will have practical information regarding how ASD affects classroom performance. Effective strategies and supports will be provided.
Topics include:
- Autism: What we know
- Characteristics of autism
- The power of teaming
- Classroom strategies for supporting students with ASD
- Enhancing students’ communication and social interactions
- Social emotional supports
- Understanding and de-escalating behavior
- Parent and self-advocate perspectives
Training Completed