MOBILE, Ala. – The Alabama Regional Autism Networks are offering in-person training sessions throughout the state to provide parents and caregivers the tools and strategies needed to navigate the special education system and effectively advocate for their children or family members.

The workshop will be offered in Mobile by the University of South Alabama Regional Autism Network (USARAN) on Monday, Aug. 5, from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. at the University of South Alabama Faculty Club.

This three-hour workshop will offer insight into how parents can start the process for a special education evaluation if their school system has not done so. Discussions will include referrals before entering kindergarten, as well as address needs in later grades.

Presenters will discuss the amount of time each part of the process may take, best practices for parents to ensure the evaluations happen and are thorough, eligibility requirements, available services, and more. A portion of the session will be working through real-life scenarios to determine how to navigate the processes and roadblocks that can occur.

Michelle McDaniel, USARAN director, said the training is being offered as a response to requests from parents and caregivers who often contact the network with questions and concerns about their child’s special education services.

This training will provide information about how to navigate through the process of special education services, learn more about the services and supports their child may be entitled to, and how to effectively advocate for their child’s needs.

“Parents and caregivers can quickly become overwhelmed when trying to navigate next steps for their child after receiving a diagnosis of autism and as their journey continues throughout school and beyond,” she said. “The Regional Autism Network provides community workshops such as this to support individuals diagnosed with autism and their families throughout the community and serves as a resource for anyone in need of autism-related information.”

The CDC estimates that about 1 in every 36 children are identified as having autism.

“We know that the earlier interventions can begin, the better the outcome will be for the child and family,” McDaniel said.

The registration fee for the conference is $10 per person, and it includes light refreshments. Scholarships are available by emailing [email protected]. To register online, visit https://training.ua.edu/ranworkshops/

To learn more, contact USARAN at 251-410-4533.