Assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Very Young Children

WEBINAR / COURSE DETAILS

According to estimates from the Center of Disease Control, about 1 in 59 children have been identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (CDC, 2018). As the prevalence of ASD continues to surge, the early screening and diagnostic evaluation in early childhood is critical in quickly providing intensive early intervention and improving lifetime outcomes. Studies have shown that early signs can begin to emerge as early as 6 to 12 months old (Sacrey et al, 2018). Research shows that intensive early intervention prior to five years of age shows the most positive outcomes for children with ASD (Woods & Wetherby, 2003). Speech language pathologists are often the first professionals to suspect ASD and are integral team members in the screening and evaluation process. This session aims to provide the learner with information regarding (1) early warning signs of ASD, (2) formal and informal screening and diagnostic tools for early childhood, and (3) strategies to promote interdisciplinary collaboration.

OFFERINGS

There are no active offerings for this course.

PRESENTER(S)

Alayna E. Townsend

Ph.D. CCC-SLP

Dr. Townsend is the lead speech-language pathologist at UT Physician’s Center for Autism and Related Conditions (CARC) in Houston, TX. She is an Adjunct Professor and Clinical Educator at the University of Houston in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. She earned her doctoral degree from Howard University, a master's degree from the University of Cincinnati, and her bachelor’s degree from Xavier University of Louisiana. Dr. Townsend specializes in performing diagnostic speech, language, and social communication evaluations for infants and young children suspected or diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). She has had the opportunity to provide speech and language services in the Bahamas, St. Lucia, Belize, and Ecuador.

Disclosures

Financial Disclosure

This webinar was funded by our sponsors, SLP Toolkit and SLP Now. Sponsors are not responsible for the content of this course nor does brIQht ideas endorse their products or services.

In-Kind Disclosure

brIQht ideas would like to thank the presenter of this course who has provided her speaking services at no charge.

As a result of this activity, participants will be able to...

Identify at least 5 early warning signs of ASD in early childhood
Compare and contrast at least 3 language and social communication measures
Recall 3 strategies to implement when collaborating on an interdisciplinary team
Describe 3 screening and evaluation tools speech pathologists can implement to evaluation language and social communication in early childhood

Agenda

1 mins	Introduction
2 mins	Review of ASHA Roles and Responsibilities
10 mins	Review of DSM-V Diagnostic Criteria
5 mins	Developmental Milestones
5 mins	Early Warning Signs
5 mins	Forms and Stages of Play
15 mins	Screening and Assessment
8 mins	Effective Collaboration
9 mins	Questions from Audience

Participation and completion requirements

Participants must pass a course exam and achieve an 80% or higher score in order to receive a certificate of completion and for your completion to be submitted to the ASHA Continuing Education Board.

ASHA CEUs are awarded by the ASHA Continuing Education Board once eligibility requirements are met. The exam, course evaluation, and CE paperwork for these courses must be completed by the date outlined for the course offering. If you do not correctly and completely submit these materials by the deadline, you will not be eligible to receive ASHA CEUs for this course.

brIQht ideas is committed to providing equal opportunities in accordance with all applicable laws. If you are in need of a disability-related accommodation, please contact us at hello@briqht.media. We will review your request and respond in a timely manner. Please note that we require a minimum of 2 weeks to provide a reasonable accommodation for your request.