MOBILE, Ala. – The Alabama Regional Autism Networks offer virtual and in-person training sessions across the state to provide professionals, parents, and caregivers the tools and strategies needed to navigate a diagnosis of autism, learn about evidence-based practices, and access services available.

An in-person autism workshop for families and professionals will be offered in Evergreen by the University of South Alabama Regional Autism Network (USARAN) on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025 from 8:30 a.m. – noon at the Conecuh County Schools Transportation Department located at 208 Martin Street, Evergreen, AL 36401.

This three-and-a-half-hour workshop will offer insight into community resources for autism, behavior management strategies and special education services in the sessions below:

• The Regional Autism Network and Community Resources for Autism, presented by Michelle McDaniel, M.Ed., director of the USARAN
• Behavior Management Strategies for Children on the Spectrum, presented by Jordan Albright, Ph.D., and Morgan Patterson, University of South Alabama Department of Psychology
• What You Need to Know about IEPs and Special Education Services, presented by Christina Norris, senior case advocate, Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program

Presenters will discuss local and state resources available to individuals with autism, their families, and the professionals who work with them. Practical, evidence-based behavioral strategies will also be shared. A portion of the training will focus on understanding the special education process, challenges and scenarios that may arise, and the services and supports that students with IEPs may be entitled to receive.

Michelle McDaniel, USARAN director, said the training is being offered as a response to requests from caregivers and professionals in rural Alabama, who often contact the network with questions and concerns about how to help their child or students they work with who have a diagnosis of autism.

This training will provide information about understanding and addressing behavioral needs, learning more about the services and supports available in the community, and effectively advocating for individual needs.

“Parents and caregivers can quickly become overwhelmed when trying to navigate the 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, their families, and professionals throughout the community, and serves as a resource for anyone needing autism-related information.”

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

“We know that access to training and resources in rural areas can be challenging for families and professionals. We’re excited to be able to offer this workshop, as it will help connect the community with practical strategies, information, and services so that we can improve outcomes for children diagnosed with autism across Alabama.” McDaniel said.

The workshop is free. To reserve your space, email [email protected].

The training is being offered by USARAN, the University of South Alabama, the USA Department of Psychology Cosma Lab, and the Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program.

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